It's holiday time at the Belmont. For the next month we will host shoppers, conventioneers, musicians, artists, neighborhood guests, newlyweds, "not-so-newlyweds" who honeymooned here in the 40's, birthday celebrations, old friends, new friends, international guests, students and, last but certainly not least, our lively New Year's Eve guests who help us welcome in the coming year with festive enthusiasm.

During December we enjoy introducing guests to the unique and hidden treasures in our neighborhood. The North Oak Cliff Section of Dallas is known for its artistic culture, one-of-a-kind restaurants, shops and historic neighborhoods all within a stones throw of the Belmont. "Jingle Bells on Bishop", a local winter festival takes place the first weekend of December and I know I'll be there meeting, greeting, eating, and shopping for the perfect gift. All shops Bishop Arts are interesting...Zola's Vintage, Indigo, and Bishop Market are a few of my favs. After "Jingle Bell-ing" I'll make my way to the BarBelmont terrace for a relaxing warm drink and a city view, enjoying our temperate Texas winter weather.

Life is bustling with excitement at the Belmont and the friends, employees, and associates who serve are grateful for the opportunity to interact and contribute to your travels. Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Lena Liles
General Manager

REAL GOOD FOOD... AND PARTIES... AT THE BELMONT HOTEL

Business has been brisk at the Cliff Cafe, Oak Cliff's new casual neighborhood diner at the Belmont. The Cliff now serves three meals a day, seven days a week, including all day breakfast and weekend brunch.

With the holidays merely weeks away, time is running short to plan the perfect holiday gathering at the Belmont. The Belmont's Catering and Event Planning Staff can help you orchestrate a memorable event. Whether you want to take advantage of our spectacular Texas fall weather for a poolside gathering, or host a more intimate luncheon in the event room at Cliff, the Belmont's hip, casual atmosphere may just be the perfect venue for your entertaining needs.

For more information, contact Hillary Wood by phone at 214.393.2300, or by email, Hillary@belmontdallas.com.

THE BELMONT HOLIDAY ROOM SPECIAL

Whether you need to escape the holiday madness, or you need a guest room to stash your mother-in-law for the weekend, have we got a special room rate for you! Through the end of the year we have rates as low as $99 per night… call for availability. Happy Holidays from the Belmont!

Some blackout dates apply. Based on availability. You must call the hotel at 877.476.3378 to book this package.

2007 NEW YEAR'S EVE AT THE BELMONT

Bring in the New Year with the rest of the hepcats at the Belmont Hotel. Check in starts at 3:00pm, so get here early and rest up for the big night. Enjoy a great dinner at the newly opened Cliff Cafe (reservations suggested); after dinner head over to the BarBelmont Lounge to listen to the acoustic stylings of Jeremy Emmert. Then switch gears with us as our favorite DJ brings in the New Year. Don't worry about staying up too late; everybody gets a 1 pm late check out.

All of our New Years Eve rates include

• One night accommodation for 2
• Party favors
• Champagne toast
• Complimentary Valet Parking
• Continental breakfast vouchers
• 1 pm late check out

Price: Standard Rooms start at $189
Deluxe Rooms start at $209
Suites start at $279

You must call the hotel at 877.476.3378 to book this package.

BELMONT HEALTH CLUB

People greatly overestimate what they can accomplish in a short amount of time. People greatly underestimate what they can accomplish in the long term.
–Brian Buffini

Plan For Less Stress
The holiday season can damage mind, soul and checkbook. Here are some ideas to think about for a less stressful season:

1. 1. I will say no to one event so that I can have a peaceful night at home.
2. Rather than go shopping for someone who may already have too many things, I will write a meaningful note expressing my appreciation for who they are.
3. I will gradually simplify gift giving with others who may also feel the stress of shopping and spending.
4. I will not be a perfectionist. I will work towards meaningful traditions, but not towards perfection.
5. I will simplify one thing about my holiday decorating this year. That will be one less thing to get out and pack away.
6. Since there is always too much food, I will reduce food purchase or preparation by at least one dish.
7. In making decisions, I will ask "Does this build relationships or simply add more stress?"
8. I will contact and schedule a time with someone I respect, someone I want to keep in touch with or someone who I find encouraging.

Remember, the holidays are about relationships and traditions, not merely about rushing and ritual.

Questions? Email healthclub@belmontdallas.com... or call Chris (214 734-8204) or Daryl (817 821-6424) to set up a consultation and tour.

Art With A View is an ongoing series of rotating art and creative events at the Belmont.

The Belmont is pleased to host CLASSIC BIG BEND: The Photos of Dr. Frank Warnock. From 1941-1947, Dr. Warnock documented the people and the landscapes of Brewster, Jeff Davis, Pecos and Presidio County as well as Big Bend National Park in black and white photo images.

For those attracted by the artwork of Donald Judd in Marfa, or the scenery near Alpine, these photos will take you back 60 years ago to a time when the Trans-Pecos had far fewer people and roads. Photography in the collection include images of the Nichols Ranch near Alpine, the Prude Ranch in Fort Davis, the Spur Ranch south of Marfa, the Glass Mountains in Pecos County and the newly opened Big Bend National Park. Most of the people in the photos look as if they walked off of the set of Giant, the mythic motion picture shot near Marfa.

The opening reception for CLASSIC BIG BEND will be held on Wednesday, Thursday 13, 2007, from 6 to 9 pm in the BarBelmont Lounge and Terrace. The collection will remain on exhibition at the Belmont through January 20, 2008.

For more information about Dr. Warnock, contact his son and curator of the show, Kirby F. Warnock at (214) 942-4905, or via e-mail at kirby@bigbendquarterly.com.

Live Music at BarBelmont

Join us every Thursday evening for a cocktail and live music on the BarBelmont patio.

Jingle Bells on Bishop
Bishop Arts District
Oak Cliff, Dallas, Texas
www.bishopartsdistrict.com
December 07, 2007

Come get in the holiday spirit from 6pm-10pm on Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8 in the historic Bishop Arts District. Enjoy an old-time holiday carnival, live music, a visit from Santa, and the best shops and restaurants in Dallas!

Indigo 1745
370 West 7th Street
Dallas, Texas 75208
214.948.1745

The little emporium that is Indigo 1745 was created in celebration of the quintessential American icon, the "Blue Jean". Blue jeans, once a garment reserved for American laborers, are now found in boardrooms around the world. At indigo 1745, we strive to enhance your denim lifestyle, a lifestyle that is straightforward and uncomplicated, a lifestyle that pairs a great pair of jeans with an amazing t-shirt, an extraordinary blouse, or an incredible jacket. Indigo 1745 specializes in premium denim and luxury sportswear.

Bishop Street Market
419 North Bishop Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75208
214.941.0907
http://www.bishopstreetmarket.com

Located at the heart of the Bishop Arts District, Bishop Street Market opened it's doors in 1996 making it the longest operating retail store in the area. Twice winner of the Dallas Observer’s "Best Gift Shop" award, BSM has also been featured in "D" Magazine, Cliffdweller Magazine, Paper City, FD Lux, Texas Monthly, and The Dallas Morning News. Often cited as having the funniest card selection in the city, BSM is the only local shop that offers complimentary gift wrapping. From local artists to major luxury brands, you can always find what you are looking for here, including Vietri Italian Pottery, Jan Barboglio hand worked iron and glass, Skagen watches, the Thymes Collection, Swankie Blankie and Roost home furnishings.

Zola's Everyday Vintage
414 North Bishop Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75208
214.943.6643
http://www.zolasvintage.com

Zola's is a different kind of vintage store. The vintage clothing is hand picked by the owners, one item at a time and is in perfect or near perfect condition. All clothes have been dry cleaned or washed and pressed and mended when necessary. We take pride in each item and consider them all to be treasures. Something else to remember when trying to decide whether to buy something new or something vintage; most vintage clothing is made in America. There used to be a saying, look for the union label, clothes made by Americans for Americans. In this day and age where positively everything is outsourced and imported, it is nice to know that you can still find wonderful clothes, made right here in the U.S.A.

Poor David's Pub
1313 South Lamar Street
Dallas, TX 75215
http://www.poordavidspub.com/

Chris Miller CD Release party
Fri, Dec 14, 2007

Cadillac Sky
Fri, Dec 28, 2007

An Intimate Evening with Darden Smith
with special guest Jimmy Baldwin
Fri, Dec 7, 2007, 8 pm

An Intimate Evening with Peter Case
with special guest TBA
Sat, Dec 8, 2007, 8 pm

Hayes Carll
Fri, Dec 28

Hayes Carll
plus John Evans, Side Show Tramps
Fri, Dec 28, 2007, 8 pm

Dallas Museum of Art
1717 North Harwood
Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214.922.1200
http://dallasmuseumofart.org/
Dallas_Museum_of_Art/index.htm

Jazz in the Atrium
Enjoy a glass of wine in the Atrium Café and hear live jazz every Thursday.

Dallas Theatre Center
3636 Turtle Creek Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: 214.522.8499
http://www.dallastheatercenter.org/

A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
Nov 23 – Dec 24, 2007

Directed by Joes Ferrell
For over 20 years Dallas Theater Center's production of Dickens’ holiday classic has touched audiences of all ages with its message of hope and redemption. Join Ebenezer Scrooge and his three ghosts for a magical, midnight journey to seek the true spirit of Christmas. Filled with glorious music and dance, A Christmas Carol is the perfect gift for the entire family.

Theatre Three
2800 Routh Street, Suite. 168
Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214.871.3300
www.theatre3dallas.com

Season's Greetings
by Alan Ayckbourn
Nov 23 – Dec 16, 2007

A Christmas gathering replete with family recriminations, a chaotically incompetent puppet show, over-consumed Christmas spirits, and a hilariously bungled midnight tryst make this superbly crafted comedy a must-see holiday show.

The Goodbye Girl
Book by NEIL SIMON, Music by MARVIN HAMLISCH, Lyrics by DAVID ZIPPEL
Dec 13, 2007 – Jan 20, 2008

First Simon wrote the movie as a Valentine gift to his actress wife. Then Hamlisch and Zipple worked with him to turn his film script into a smash Broadway hit musical. This gifted trio of contemporary theatre giants created a RARE thing these days, a delightfully funny and romantic musical theatre piece! The single mom, a thirty-something dancer, struggles through New York disappointments, user boyfriends, and then clashes with an upstart intruder who may be just another bad actor – or is he?