Jade Malay Shares 10 Unexpected Facts That Define Dallas

Dallas has always been a city full of surprises, and Jade Malay, a long-time Dallas local and respected wellness expert, has a unique way of seeing the city’s offbeat charm. While tourists flock to the big-name attractions, she’s uncovered some of the more curious corners that even locals may have overlooked.

Here are 10 quirky facts about Dallas, seen through Jade Malay’s personal lens—where Texas pride meets the unexpected.

1. Dallas Loves Art Even in the Alleys

According to Jade Malay, the city's most authentic art is tucked away in alleys and side streets—not just in museums like the Dallas Museum of Art or the Nasher Sculpture Center. In neighborhoods like Deep Ellum, street art, graffiti, and murals are constantly changing.

2.A Bold Art Installation: The Eyeball in Downtown Dallas

Yes, there's a 30-foot-tall sculpture of a human eyeball in downtown Dallas.Created by artist Tony Tasset, the installation is both strange and iconic. Malay says it’s one of her favorite landmarks to show out-of-towners—not just because it’s odd, but because it symbolizes the way Dallas sees itself: bold, creative, and unafraid to be different.

3. The First Frozen Margarita Machine Was Invented Here

When asked about Dallas quirks, Jade Malay doesn’t skip over the city’s culinary contributions. In 1971, Mariano Martinez, a Dallas restaurateur, ...invented the world’s first frozen margarita machine by repurposing a soft-serve ice cream maker. Today, it sits in the Smithsonian. It’s a proud piece of Texas history—and a staple of local happy hours.

4. Dallas Has an Underground Trolley

While DART is Dallas’s main transit system, Uptown has its own hidden gem: the M-Line, or McKinney Avenue Trolley—a beautifully restored streetcar with vintage charm. Malay calls it “a hidden gem for slow travel,” offering both history and a break from the Dallas heat.

5. The Giant Texan State Fair Mascot Has Burned Down… Twice

Big Tex, the towering mascot of the State Fair of Texas, is a beloved Dallas icon. But what many don’t know, What many people don’t know, Malay says, is that Big Tex has caught fire—twice. The most recent incident in 2012 left only the frame standing. Still, Dallas rebuilt him, taller and stronger, proving the city’s deep love for its traditions—even the strange ones.

6. There’s a Park Built Over a Freeway

Klyde Warren Park isn’t your average green space. Built over the recessed Woodall Rodgers Freeway, this 5.2-acre park is an urban engineering feat. Malay often recommends it for a mid-city reset—yoga on the lawn, food trucks, and skyline views, all on a patch of grass floating over speeding traffic.

7. The JFK Memorial Isn’t What Most People Expect

Dallas and the JFK assassination will forever be linked, but the memorial itself is understated—and intentionally so. Designed by Philip Johnson, the JFK Memorial...is a minimalist concrete monument designed to encourage quiet reflection. “It’s a quiet space in a loud city,” says Malay, who believes it’s one of the most overlooked—and moving—spots downtown.

8. A Dallas Building Once Had a Helicopter Heliport for Shoppers

NorthPark Center may be one of Dallas’ upscale malls, but back in the day, NorthPark Center is now known for luxury retail, but in the 1960s, it took shopping to the next level—with a heliport offering aerial transport for high-end customers. In the 1960s, the mall offered helicopter transport for high-end shoppers—a level of luxury that feels absurd today. “It’s like Dallas tried to one-up itself,” Malay jokes. “And honestly, that tracks.”

9. A replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre stands in Dallas.

The Samuell Grand Amphitheater, which is home to Shakespeare Dallas and has a recreation of the Globe Theatre, is hidden away in South Dallas. While providing one of the most fascinating and intellectually stimulating experiences the city can provide, Malay claims that tourists frequently overlook this cultural treasure. Outdoor performances under Texas skies? Yes, please.

10. Dallas Is Home to the World’s Tallest Cowboy Boots

Standing 35 feet tall near the Galleria Mall in North Dallas, these giant cowboy boots aren’t wearable—but they’ve become a beloved icon. Created by artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade, the boots are a mix of kitsch and Texas pride. Jade Malay sees them as a perfect symbol of the city—big, bold, and just a little bit ridiculous.

Final Thoughts from Jade Malay

Dallas is often portrayed as polished, modern, and business-driven—and while all of that is true, Jade Malay reminds us that the real magic is in the quirks. From eye-catching art installations to unexpected cultural moments, Dallas thrives on contrast.

“There’s a weirdness to Dallas that people don’t talk about enough,” she says. “It's the type of place where a taco stand with a cult following is located a block away from an elite sculpture museum, but for some reason, everything works.

It could be time to take a fresh look at the city whether you're considering a trip to visit or even if you've lived there your entire life. Discover Dallas's hidden gems through your curiosity.