Dallas may be full of skyscrapers, but it has a soft spot for mavericks who think big and forge their own path. Explore the history of Dallas and bask in the wonders left by those before us. From true Texas experiences to modern marvels, fill your weekend getaway in Dallas with country and western adventures!
Start your day Texas-style with a hearty bowl of chili topped with eggs at Ellen's Southern Kitchen in Dallas' West End Historic District. The trendy Southern diner, which serves breakfast all day, specializes in comfort food with a modern twist.
After breakfast, step back into history at the Old Red Courthouse, built in 1892 and home to the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture. Look out for the pistol that belonged to infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde and even J.R. Ewing's famous Stetson cowboy hat from the classic television show Dallas. Get the VIP treatment by asking for an escorted tour to see areas of the museum not open to the public, including a restored 1892 courtroom.
Make time for Wild Bill's Western Store, where you can enjoy a cold Texas beer while you get a hat steamed to fit you perfectly, or get measured for custom-made boots. Then make time for a selfie stop at the iconic Pioneer Plaza, the world's largest bronze monument depicting a cattle drive, complete with nearly 50 longhorn steers being herded by three cowboys.
Head to South Dallas for lunch at Lockhart Smokehouse – a BBQ joint that's sure to impress with its selection of smoked meats like brisket, ribs and sausage. The restaurant is set up counter service style, and all meats are sliced to order. And don't forget about the sides – go for the Lockhart slaw or mac n' cheese. After lunch, find some cowboy chic as you browse the Bishop Arts District. Looking for gifts? Pick up a ceramic trophy head or stamped leather coasters with a Texas motif. Wander into M'Antiques, where you can kick back with a beer while you find a cool vintage cuff.
Grab dinner at The Rustic, a relaxed Uptown restaurant, bar and backyard concert venue serving Southern-inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. Settle in by the fire pits and enjoy live music and a Texas draft beer under an oak tree canopy at Pat's Backyard, named for country music star Pat Green and voted one of the city's best patios.
Finish the evening with more tunes at Adair's Saloon, one of Dallas' best-known dive bars for live country music. Stars including the Dixie Chicks and Jack Ingram stopped here on their way up so grab a table -- this place feels like you belong.
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Bask in the uniqueness of their huge selection of Brazilian coffees before digging into a plate of chorizo empanadas or buttery crepes at Cafe Brazil. The Deep Ellum breakfast spot is thankfully open 24 hours a day on weekends, so if a breakfast craving hits late in the day, this is your go-to spot.
Start the day on horseback with the Dallas skyline in the distance. Just 15 minutes from Downtown is the Texas Horse Park, located in the Great Trinity Forest. Trail rides are available for cowboys at all levels, and there are even pony rides for the little ones. It's a great escape from the city!
Check the schedule for Dallas’ light rail system DART, D-Link (DART’s free bus service) and the free M-Line Trolley for convenient rides through the Downtown Dallas and surrounding areas. After 6 pm, call or text Efrogs, a free golf-cart rideshare program that gets you going without the hassle of a car.
Head to Pecan Lodge, which Texas Monthly magazine called one of the top four barbecue joints in the world. Fair warning: you'll need lots of napkins to work through their tender smoked brisket and home-made sausage.
Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in Dallas' early days at Dallas Heritage Village, a collection of more than 25 historic structures from the early 1900s located on the site of Dallas' first public park. Stop by the general store or country church, or visit a Civil War-era homestead complete with livestock.
Enjoy the West's iconic spectator sport at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. Keep your cool as the barrel racers and bareback riders take center stage, and make sure to come early to make time for cowboy autographs, pony rides, the petting zoo and a visit to the Western store and, of course, some BBQ!
Experience a real Texas honky tonk at Cowboys Red River. Get your boots moving and don't forget your hat before heading to Texas' largest dance floor. Learn how to two-step in an Old West setting with live country music, and make sure someone gets a photo of you on the mechanical bull.
Check out our top picks of the best things to
do in Dallas this weekend.