Hotel News

School's in session at new Graduate Hotel concept debuting near Dallas' SMU

Their lobbies are always colorful with a touch of whimsy.

Photo courtesy of Graduate

A groovy hotel concept is coming to Dallas: Called Graduate Dallas, it's a boutique chain that embraces a school theme, and will take over Hotel Lumen, located across from Southern Methodist University.

A spokesperson confirms that the renovation will begin in 2021.

"Graduate Dallas is expected to debut as part of the Graduate Hotels collection in Spring 2022," says the spokesperson in a statement. "The hotel is currently being operated as The Lumen under the operations of the Graduate Hotels team. Graduate plans to begin to transition the property in 2021."

Graduate Hotels is a collection of properties located in college towns across the country such as Berkeley, Seattle, and Nashville, with each hotel carefully reflecting the motif and culture of its nearby college.

The concept was launched in 2014 by Chicago-based real estate company AJ Capital Partners. They opened their first two locations in Athens near the University of Georgia, and in Tempe, near Arizona State. There are currently 28 hotels across the U.S. and an additional six hotels set to open by the end of 2021.

The chain slyly refers to itself as "hand-crafted" boutique hotels, located in the most dynamic university towns in America. "Relive your glory days with Graduate!" they proclaim.

They aspire to five-star status with nice amenities and friendly service, but their uniqueness comes from the way they incorporate nods that reference the heritage and history of the university and its hometown.

In Nashville, that means a mural of Minnie Pearl behind the reception desk; bright florals with nods to Tennessee history; and portraits of Dolly Parton hanging over your bed. The Graduate in Tucson has a desert-scape and Navajo blankets.

With the completion of Graduate Dallas still a year off, we'll have to wait to see if it's cowboy boot lamps or a mural of Larry Hagman.

Their hotel lobbies always come with a strong dose of whimsy and loads of cheerful color. Most locations feature one-of-a-kind antique furniture and historical photos on the walls. The concept also has a subtle retro vibe, from the vintage font used for its logo to its nostalgic celebration of the youthful optimism of school days.

All of their properties have all-day restaurants, and some also have a cafe concept called Poindexter.

Conde Nast Traveler describes their audience as "parents and visiting profs who want to upgrade from musty family inns and anonymous limited-service hotels," while Inc. magazine lauds their diligence on nailing the local lore, stating that Graduate hotels double as "hyperlocal storytelling vessels."

The Lumen debuted in 1963 as a motel which it remained until 2012 when it was transformed into a boutique hotel by owner Tim Headington; he sold it to AJ Capital Partners in 2019.

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Exploring Texas

Texas' new Palo Pinto State Park opens just a 2-hour drive from Dallas

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens March 1

Texans will be able to hike, fish, camp, and explore a brand-new state park — the first new Texas state park in 25 years — starting on Sunday, March 1.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located at 100 Park Road 77 in Strawn, spans 4,871 acres of former ranchland between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (about a two-hour drive west from downtown Dallas).

According to a press release, the land was originally purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 2011 and the park was expected to open three years ago, but construction delays impeded the opening. Funding for the park was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF), the Texas Legislature, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, the federal government, and $10 million was raised by TPWF through private donations.

The park offers more than 16 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding, and the park's website states 1.25 miles are ADA compliant, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available for some non-accessible trails. Campers and overnight guests also have three campsites to choose from, including RV sites, walk-in tent spots, and primitive camping areas.

Visitors are also welcome to swim, fish, and boat (note: motorboats are not allowed) in the 68-acre Tucker Lake using the park's accessible kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. Visitors don't need a license to fish at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, and the park will loan fishing gear upon request.

Tucker Lake at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Visitors are welcome to kayak and canoe at Tucker Lake, but motorboats are not allowed.Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Birding enthusiasts might spot golden-cheeked warblers during their visit, as the endangered species take residence in the park's oak and Ashe juniper trees in the spring and summer months. Many other migratory birds can be seen at the park throughout the year.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is anticipating high visitation in March with the spring season's temperate weather and Texas schools' spring breaks. TPWD strongly encouraged visitors to reserve day passes in advance to avoid being turned away if the park has reached its capacity limit.

"This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas," Texas State Parks director Rodney Franklin in the release. "Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park."

Day passes are available up to one month in advance, are non-transferrable to another person or park, and are valid all-day until 10 pm unless the park closes earlier. Day passes can be reserved online or by calling TPWD's Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12-years-old and younger.

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