Nima Handyman

If you're a fan of cutting-edge films, videos, and documentaries, you won't want to miss the annual four-day Dallas VideoFest every Fall at several venues. The festival is open to professional and non-professional filmmakers and specializes in independent, alternative, and non-commercial media. You'll  see hard-to-find works that are rarely seen on television, in movie theaters, or elsewhere, despite their artistic excellence and cultural and social relevance. It's a great opportunity to discover new and exciting voices in the world of film and media.

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens has 66 acres of lush plants and flowers, and you'll feel like you've entered a different world. And the best part? You'll have a stunning view of downtown White Rock Lake and the Dallas skyline. Dallas Arboretum is considered one of the best in the nation and has over a dozen different gardens and thousands of species of plants, and visitors can enjoy the parks year-round. Be sure to check out the azalea collection with its 2,400 varieties and the ferns, holly, and color garden. And don't miss the Women's Garden, a recent addition featuring small garden rooms and a reflecting pool overlooking White Rock Lake.

Thanks-Giving Square is a beautiful public park in Dallas with a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection and contemplation. It's a communal space where people can express gratitude and appreciate the community's diversity. The park features sections such as the Court of All Nations, the Wall of Praise, and a mosaic based on Norman Rockwell's The Golden Rule. The Garden at Thanks-Giving Square has a hollow design that creates a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Great Fountain dampens surrounding noises, adding to the tranquility of the environment. The Chapel of Thanks-giving is a winding white structure that symbolizes life's ancient spiral and the human spirit's infinite upward reach. The upper level of the Chapel features the Glory Window, a stunning stained glass masterpiece. The Hall of Thanks-giving serves as an event and meeting space and provides a forum for lectures, interfaith discussions, and educational programs.

If you're interested in exploring religious art from different denominations, visiting the Museum of Biblical Art is necessary. The museum strongly emphasizes art history and showcases decorative art from Israel and the Holy Land, providing a unique and educational experience. Additionally, the museum collaborates with Jesuit Preparatory School on an educational initiative that combines gardening with art appreciation and history, allowing students to connect their real-life experiences to their faith and understanding of the Mass, personal devotions, and the Fourteen Stations of the Cross. With eleven galleries, The National Center for Jewish Art, the Museum of Holocaust Art, the European Art Treasury, an on-site Art Conservation Lab, Via Dolorosa Sculpture Garden, and other significant pilgrimage attractions, the museum offers a wide range of programs, field trips, and events for art enthusiasts of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.