Take a day off from schedules and unplug by spending time in the Lake and Garden District in East Dallas. Located just about five miles northeast of Downtown Dallas, it is surprisingly quick to get away from the bustle of life.
A gas station is not usually where you'd go for the most important meal of the day, but the Green Spot is a micro-center for healthy living. The Green Spot café offers breakfast tacos made with cage-free eggs, preservative-free sausages and meats, and locally-sourced produce at gas station prices. The convenience store is stocked with organic, natural and healthy food and beverage choices that you can pack as snacks or a picnic for your day out at White Rock Lake.
Known as the 'crown jewel' of Dallas parks, White Rock Lake offers an abundance of land and water activities within its 1,015 acres of natural surroundings. Hike or bike on the trail, rent a paddleboard or kayak or simply arm yourself with a pair of binoculars and go bird-watching. Stop off at the Bath Cultural House to enjoy local art at the galleries and learn about the area's rich history at the White Rock Lake Museum.
Replenish your body, mind and spirit at Kalachandji's, Dallas' oldest vegetarian restaurant. The changing daily menu features a plethora of vegan and vegetarian options including soups, breads, rice, salads, curries and desserts. Make your meal a sensory experience by sitting outside under the large shady tree and the babbling water feature in the peaceful courtyard. The restaurant is part of a Hare Krishna temple, so take some time to quietly explore the murals and Deities Sri Sri Radha-Kalachandji.
Set on 66 stunning acres by White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a horticultural masterpiece - seasonal blooms coupled with artscapes spread over 19 gardens is a feast for the eyes. Stop for a daily tasting of fruits and vegetables collected from the lush 3.5-acre edible garden at A Tasteful Place. If you brought the little one, head to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. The 8-acre interactive garden connects children with nature and science through hands-on exhibits and active play. Check the event calendar to catch an after-hours concert and end the day with a show-stopping sunset by White Rock Lake.
Located across the street from the Dallas Arboretum, this rustic-style smokehouse features tasty barbecue meats, salads and sandwiches. Enjoy the serenity of the neighborhood with a seat on the patio, and start with the black bean hummus before digging into house-made sausage, pulled pork or ribs.
Check out our top picks of the best things to
do in Dallas this weekend.