Travel Guide

Dallas Fans Enjoy Southfork Ranch's Ewing Sunset Dinner Package

 Home of the Ewing oil family on the hit TV Series “Dallas," Southfork Ranch’s world-famous exterior architecture has been carefully preserved and its interior renovated. Each year 400,000 fans of the “Dallas” series from around the world visit the mansion, which is open daily.

To celebrate the season two debut of TNT’s all-new “Dallas”, Southfork Ranch introduced a exclusive “Ewing Sunset Dinner Package” for two. Couples were picked from any location in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area by limousine. Once they arrived at Southfork Ranch, they enjoyed a sunset glass of wine on the balcony of J.R.’s bedroom at the mansion, followed by a private mansion tour led by an expert docent.

Couple also received a $250 gift certificate to the Lincolns and Longhorns boutique, specializing in upscale Western wear, décor and accessories. To wrap up the evening couples enjoyed a romantic steak dinner for two in Southfork’s sumptuous dining room.

When visiting Southfork, you'll discover it covers 340 acres, which includes the recognizable Southfork Mansion, plus the Ranch Roundup Visitor’s Center, Southfork Ranch Event and Conference Center, Lincolns & Longhorns Texas apparel boutique, as well as Miss Ellie’s Deli. Out among the manicured grounds are peacefully grazing Texas longhorns and American Paint horses.

They have also added a conference and events center as well as the addition of “Dallas”-themed rooms in the mansion. The design, furnishings and other appointments reflect the personalities of the original TV series most famous characters: Jock’s Living Room, the Ewing dining room, Miss Ellie’s suite, Lucy’s “Yellow Rose of Texas” suite, Bobby’s room, J.R.’s master suite, Miss Ellie’s kitchen and Bobby’s boardroom.

For many who visit Southfork it is an opportunity to step into the world of Hollywood history. With the original “Dallas” series' iconic stars returning for season two, which includes Patrick Duffy as Bobby Ewing, Linda Gray as Sue Ellen Ewing and Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing, those visiting the ranch can imagine the characters walking the halls of the mansion.

Also in the series is stars Josh Henderson as John Ross, the son of J.R. and Sue Ellen Ewing; Jesse Metcalfe as Christopher, Bobby’s adopted son; Jordana Brewster as Elena Ramos, John Ross’ girlfriend and the former fiancée of Christopher; Julie Gonzalo as Rebecca Sutter, Christopher’s current fiancée; Brenda Strong as Bobby’s wife, Ann; and Callard Harris as Rebecca’s brother, Tommy. What will happen next as the stars of the original “Dallas” series' are joined by the next generation of Ewings, who take ambition and deception to a new level? We'll have to watch as the story unfolds.

Be sure to visit the Forever Resorts’ “Dallas” museum that features the gun that shot J.R., Lucy’s wedding dress, video clips from the filming of the series and other memorabilia. And, drop in at the Ranch Roundup Visitor’s Center and gift shop that has a variety of upscale, Texas-themed merchandise and collectibles.

By Nick Worley

Getting There: Southfork is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day. The Tours depart the Visitor’s Center every 30 to 45 minutes and run continuously throughout the day. The last guided tour of the day begins at 4:30 p.m. daily. They also offer chuck wagon barbecue dinners that may be arranged for groups of 20 or more. For tickets, and to inquire about group tour bookings, call (972) 442-7800, or visit www.Southfork.com.