Dallas Cowboys Bedroom Set
Dallas Cowboys Bedroom Set
Having fun around Dallas-Fort Worth doesn't have to come to a screeching halt just because there's a chill in the air (we don't want to jinx things and summon another polar vortex by actually using the word cold). In actuality, nearly every great outdoor adventure we feature in spring, summer, and autumn can still be enjoyed from the time we set the clocks back an hour until well into February. Of course, this time of year, you'll find a lot of the usual places decked out in holiday finery and frequented by a fat man in a red suit (and sometimes Santa, too). There are also warm and cozy indoor options with fireplaces and other creature comforts, in the case you can't even think about exposing your skin to a little nippiness. No matter what you choose to do from this list of 35 options, you're guaranteed to find some new thrills alongside classic ways to explore North Texas this winter.
Get tipsy with some elves (and a drag queen)
Bishop Arts District
If you're ready to get a little naughty, the popular Tipsy Elf cocktail bar returns for another season to a charming little house in the Bishop Arts District. The crazy good times kick off on Black Friday at 8 pm and continue through the end of December with the addition of a covered patio, as well as the ever-in-demand Mrs. Claus (AKA drag diva Gloria Devine) reading nightly letters to Santa that won't be like the ones you wrote as a kid. Oh, and holiday-themed cocktails galore.
Enjoy 12 days of festive fun at the Thompson Dallas Hotel
Downtown
From December 13 to 24, celebrate the 12 Days of Thompson with holiday tunes and spirited cocktails with an added bonus: For every drink you purchase, you'll be entered into a nightly drawing for prizes including a two-night stay at the hotel, a visit to the spa, dinner for two at Catbird, and other generous gifts. Complete your feast of the senses by wandering the hotel and its more than 12 miles of LED light displays, 17,000 ornaments, 35 Christmas trees (include a 55-foot-tall behemoth), and the aromas of 11 different varieties of fresh pine.
Skate through life at Fair Park
Fair Park
From November 26 through January 2, Fair Park transforms into a snowy paradise with millions of twinkle lights, a mesmerizing Christmas Light Maze, and a unique ice-skating trail that winds around a forested path. While you're there, visit the Big Man himself (and not Big Tex for once), as Santa spreads his cheer to all who visit.
Warm your soul at a speakeasy or cozy rooftop pod
Grapevine
If you're planning to visit Grapevine for the wine or aquarium experiences featured in this list, make sure to add a stop into Hotel Vin (or better yet, plan an overnight or make a weekend of it). You'll find a year-round food hall, live music venue, and Magnum Room, a super-chic password-protected speakeasy. During the cold months, their rooftop Bubbles at Rioja offers a different type of bubbles—clear igloos rentable by the hour and decked out with lounge furniture, heaters, and plush blankets. Of course, Champagne service is part of the deal, too.
Monkey around a drive-thru holiday display
South Dallas
The popular drive-thru version of Dallas Zoo Lights that debuted thanks to Covid is back, so you can stay in the warmth and comfort of your car while driving through the zoo, a unique experience unto itself. 3-D light displays, new video projections, and large-scale animal lanterns complete the wild winter wonderland select nights now through January 2. During the day, instead of wandering around the Dallas Zoo like a regular ol' tourist, go behind the scenes and get up-close-and-personal with some majorly massive beasts. A typical backstage safari includes the chance to feed the world's largest land mammal (AKA the African elephant), participate in a training session with hippos, meet giraffes, attend a private Wild Encounters show, and snap digital photos of the whole shebang to share with the world.
Pair your French toast with a side of drag performances
Various locations
Drag brunch was one of the things we missed most when indoor dining was on hiatus, but the queens have returned in full force to venues across town to dance, lip-sync, and stare at your mimosas with envy. Some of the best fun-filled meal-and-show combos can be found at Commons Club at Virgin Hotels Dallas in the Design District, Mr. Misster in Oak Lawn, and Booty's Street Food in Deep Ellum.
Learn to two-step and line dance with gay cowboys
Oak Lawn
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday evening this fall, beloved LGBTQ honky-tonk the Round-Up Dance Hall and Saloon will be hosting lively dance classes for folks of all abilities. Practice your two-step, mambo grooves, honky-tonk twists, and many other boot-stompin' moves. Beginners are always welcome, and if you're not inclined to boogie, saddle up to the bar, grab a draft beer in a cowboy boot glass, and watch along from the sidelines.
Get to know the local wine scene
Grapevine
Texas vino has grown into a world-class option for catching a sophisticated buzz over the past decade or so, and the aptly named suburb of Grapevine just so happens to be home to one of the state's most coveted wine trails. Taste through the offerings with a lunch or dinner wine tour that includes samples at three wineries plus a three-course meal with a professional guide to teach you everything you ever wanted to know about local viticulture (and probably a few things you'd rather skip over in favor of another generous pour).
Hop on a horse and hit the trails
Fort Worth
Live like a true Texan (or at least the stereotype so many people outside the state envision) by climbing atop a horse for an outdoor trot through the scenic trails around Lake Benbrook. You'll be matched with a horse that complements your riding experience, so whether you're a beginner or expert, they've got an equine that's right for you. We're guessing the horse named Turtle goes pretty slow, but don't take our word for it.
Go on safari at Fossil Rim
Glen Rose
Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, bison, and cheetahs await—along with dozens of other animals—at this drive-thru wildlife center dedicated to the preservation of species in peril. Meander through 7.2 miles of roads where you can stop whenever you like to feed the animals from your car. Masks are required for public guided tours, or go maskless if you opt for a private guided tour for your immediate household or up to 10 people in your pandemic pod. It all goes down in Glen Rose, a short 90-minute-or-less jaunt from most parts of Dallas-Fort Worth.
Find tranquility at the Fort Worth Water Gardens
Downtown Fort Worth
Designed by architect Philip Johnson, a variety of water features cascade all around you as you explore this spectacular urban oasis in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. Hit up the quiet, serene pool, ideal for contemplating life or simply losing yourself in the moment, or climb down the stairs into the multi-level main pool for a truly unique perspective.
Get face-to-face with a shark
Grapevine
Grapevine Mills offers plenty of retail therapy and dining opportunities, but when you've had enough H&M and Applebee's, make sure to check out the Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium located right inside the mall. Journey through Texas's only 360-degree ocean tunnel filled with thousands of fish, rays, and sharks, or check out the sea turtle hospital and learn about their specific mission. Schedule your visit around feeding times for the most underwater action or book a behind-the-scenes tour for an in-depth look at what it takes to operate a large-scale aquarium.
Cheer on the Cowboys, Stars, and Mavs
Various locations
One of the best things about winter is the opportunity to see so many different sports teams on their home turf, where you can bundle up and cheer them on. Get a rinkside view of the Dallas Stars, keep the billions rolling in for Jerry Jones at a Dallas Cowboys game, or celebrate the season with Mark Cuban at a Dallas Mavericks matchup.
Test your tinsel-laced fears at Six Flags
Arlington
Add some screams to your holiday season courtesy of the one-and-only Six Flags. The park opens on weekends throughout the winter plus extended days and hours for their annual Holiday in the Park event. And if there's even the remote possibility you'll venture out more than once this year, a season pass always packs the best deal for frequent thrill-seekers because—it's good for the holiday festivities throughout all of 2022.
Get a history lesson where JFK was assassinated
Dealey Plaza
When some folks think of Dallas, the first thing that comes to mind is JFK's assassination. And although no city should be defined by a single event that occurred almost 60 years ago, its historical significance is undisputed. Take a walk around Dealey Plaza and the infamous grassy knoll to spot where the former president was killed in 1963. When you're done dodging the conspiracy theorists hanging around the plaza, pop over to the Sixth Floor Museum to learn the full story of that pivotal day.
Enjoy the city's coolest urban green spaces
Downtown Dallas
Dallas has made huge strides in recent years when it comes to increasing the amount of green spaces within its urban core. See for yourself by touring all the parks that make downtown such a vibrant place to live and play starting with Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre public expanse built over a major freeway. From there, walk south to Harwood Street for a glimpse of Pacific Plaza and Main Street Garden Park, then wind down by taking in a live performance while lounging on the lawn at Annette Strauss Square, picnic basket optional.
Ice skate at the Galleria
Far North Dallas
Even though you can ice skate year-round at this indoor rink, the activity is that much more magical when people are actually skating in scarves and sweaters instead of shorts and tank tops. If you really want to step things up with a few salchows and double axels, enroll in three-day beginner courses that include guest passes and other incentives, to boot.
Become one with nature (and the holiday season) at the Arboretum
White Rock Lake
There may be no better place to celebrate the cooler winter weather than the Dallas Arboretum, now through December 31. Holiday at the Arboretum offers even more to look at than the usual flora and fauna, with more than 42,000 lights, a Christmas Village, a 23-foot-tall German-built Christmas Pyramid (and biergarten!), plus the brand-new 50-foot-tall musical tree among the many themed activations throughout the dreamy property overlooking White Rock Lake.
Find dining inspiration at Trinity Groves
Trinity Groves
Can't decide what you're in the mood to eat? Check out the multitude of options available at Trinity Groves. Asian, Italian, Mexican, barbecue, vegan, pizza, poké, wings, even a restaurant focused solely on avocados—it can all be found just across the river from downtown. Still can't decide? Kick things off by hanging out in the new ArtPark beer garden, which sports its own menu of burgers and bar food, then patio hop from restaurant to restaurant or order bites to-go as you munch your way across the globe. Start by sharing a bowl from Hula Girl Poké before sitting down to stacked enchiladas from Beto & Son, a reconfigured New Mexico-style version of the classic. And for dessert, don't sleep on the hummingbird cake at Cake Bar.
Feel the drama at Southfork Ranch
Parker
Who shot J.R.? If you don't know the answer, you can find out in person at Southfork Ranch. As cheesy as it may be, a visit to the decked-out-for-the-holidays Ewing Mansion made famous on two different Dallas TV series should be part of every fan's bucket list. The tour highlights several rooms inside the home, including J.R.'s bedroom, the family living room, and the famous pool where J.R.'s would-be assassin met her fate. The whole thing ends not with a cliffhanger, but a memorabilia exhibit featuring items from the actual TV show. Guests are also welcome to take a few shots of their own around the ranch's sprawling grounds—of the photographical variety, of course.
Search for wildlife in the Great Trinity Forest
South Dallas
Even some longtime residents don't know there's a hardwood forest right in our backyard, but heading off into the lush green space can quickly remedy the oversight. Paved trails make it easy to explore with routes rife with everything from birds and waterfowl to river otters and maybe even a snake or two. In the cooler weather, feel free to hit up the woods almost any time of day thanks to mild-to-cool temperatures instead of the blazing summer sun.
Sample some fine Texas barbecue
Various locations
If you spend time in Texas and don't stuff yourself full of BBQ, have you really been to Texas at all? Dallas hosts the full scope of Lone Star 'cue from Central Texas-style brisket to east Texas pork ribs. Sample your way through the city's bustling smoke scene starting with Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum or Lockhart Smokehouse in Bishop Arts for some of that aforementioned brisket. Next, head to Off the Bone in the Cedars for a few Pecan-smoked Baby Back Ribs or Blu's Barbeque up north for Smoked Brisket Tamales and Prime Rib on Sundays (plus other daily specials throughout the week). If you're headed out to Love Field, be sure to stop into Heim BBQ across the street from the airport or one of their original Fort Worth locations. Then finish your around-the-town tour at 18th & Vine for some Kansas City-style BBQ (it's okay to cheat on Texas from time to time), including Burnt Ends so perfectly caramelized and tender they practically count as dessert.
Admire Art Deco buildings at Fair Park
Fair Park
Before this year's State Fair of Texas returns—or after the Tilt-A-Whirl has been packed away for another year—Fair Park is a great place to walk around and appreciate one of the nation's largest collections of 1930s Art Deco architecture and murals, with some museums currently open for visitors, too. Even if you aren't an architecture buff, the fountains, Texas Star Ferris wheel, and Cotton Bowl stadium make it an interesting venue for an afternoon of urban discovery.
Retrace the steps of Bonnie & Clyde
West Dallas
The two infamous outlaw lovers called Dallas home whenever they weren't on the lam. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow are said to have met at a house on Herbert Street, behind today's Trinity Groves. Just a few blocks away at 1221 Singleton Boulevard stands Clyde's childhood home, where the Barrow family ran a gas station (long since abandoned and currently very creepy). Bonnie and Clyde are both buried in Dallas as well, though in separate gravesites per Bonnie's mother's wishes. All of these historic sites are open to the public and easy to enjoy at your own pace (you can also book a guided tour of the key sites).
Snap gorgeous photos of the skyline
Ronald Kirk Bridge
If you're dying to get the perfect picture of the Dallas skyline, make your way to the Ronald Kirk Bridge. This cool retrofitted pedestrian park sits right next to the gorgeous Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and makes for some breathtaking panoramas. Once you've fulfilled your Instagram duties, follow the path down between the Trinity levees to spot native wildlife like white egrets and blue herons.
Tour a replica of the mansion Herman, Lily, and Grandpa called home
Waxahachie
One of the most unlikely (yet thoroughly enjoyable) tourist attractions in the area is this lovingly recreated replica of the mansion from the 1960s TV series, The Munsters. Private tours make it one of the safest ways to witness a part of pop culture history with a room-by-room journey filled with actual artifacts from the series, recreated elements, and fascinating stories from the owners' interactions with the stars over the years.
Giddy up at the world's only year-round rodeo
Fort Worth Stockyards
Each Friday and Saturday in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, you can watch cowboys and cowgirls take on bucking broncos and feisty bulls in addition to other traditional events. And while you're in the area, make sure to check out the country's only twice-daily cattle drives through the historic district.
Ride a bike around White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake
From runners to bikers to casual park-goers, more than 1 million people visit this urban lake every year. It's a little more than nine miles all the way around the lake, most of which can be done on a paved path separated from car traffic. Rent a bike and hit the road! And if biking isn't your thing, go for a walk near the Filter Building and check out the 1930s Art Deco boathouse nearby. Catch the sunset from the shores near Winfrey Point for epic skyline views and technicolor rays as the sun dips behind the treeline each evening.
Go for a stroll or a run down the Katy Trail
Uptown Dallas
The Katy Trail is a fantastic spot for a run, bike ride, or just a nice walk., extending 3.5 miles across Highland Park and Uptown before bottoming out at American Airlines Center. If you're not sure where to park or how to enter, there's usually plenty of open spots at Reverchon Park adjacent to the trail. And if you walk far enough, you can reward yourself with a margarita from Katy Trail Ice House.
Shop local in Bishop Arts District
Bishop Arts District
The Brooklyn to Dallas' Manhattan, Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff is going through a rapid transformation with new developments popping up all over the neighborhood. It's a quaint and walkable area not to be missed, especially if you like Instagrammable murals and cool shops like Spinster Records or Wild Detectives bookstore bar. Check out Eno's Pizza Tavern for dinner and follow it up with a sweet treat from Emporium Pies.
Hike or bike at Cedar Hill State Park
Cedar Hill
Hills are pretty scarce in Dallas, but you can get a hint of the Texas hill country at Cedar Hill State Park. The park road winds through modest curves complete with views of Joe Pool Lake that are quite scenic (for North Texas at least). Make reservations online for camping and day passes, and if there have been heavy rains, call or visit the website to ensure the trails are open. Multiple paths range from a short two-mile loop to a 12-mile route shared with mountain bikers.
Indulge in Lowest Greenville's vibrant dining scene
Lowest Greenville
The buzzy nightlife vibes that once characterized this popular section of town have slowly but surely started to come back, but you can also plan your Lowest Greenville adventure around some of the city's best eats (drinks included, don't worry). For starters, Wabi House boasts some of the best ramen in the city, Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen puts out a mean duck curry, and HG Supply Co. has been a neighborhood staple for years with an emphasis on healthy and sustainably produced meals. Make sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop or sundae from Botolino Gelato Artigianale, offering some of the best in the city. For more al fresco calorie consumption, hit up Truck Yard across the street with plenty of seating options, a treehouse bar, and regular live music.
Stroll the garden at the Nasher Sculpture Center
Dallas Arts District
The iconic Dallas skyline poses as the ideal backdrop for the city's most impressive collection of sculptures and other creative installations—after all, skyscrapers are just sculptures built on an enormous scale right? The ever-changing exhibitions complement the permanent collection and docents are on-hand to help you get more out of your visit and answer questions about specific pieces.
Scope out the home of the Dallas Cowboys
Arlington
The Cowboys are back for a new season (and winning!), but even if you're not up for shelling out extreme amounts of cash to see them take the gridiron in person, consider a tour of their home stadium instead. Options include the chance to hang out on the field the day before a game, self-guided walkabouts, a VIP behind-the-scenes look, and an art-focused exploration featuring one of the area's top contemporary collections. All guides and guests are required to mask up indoors and groups are limited to 35 folks at a time.
See what's in season at the Dallas Farmers Market
Downtown Dallas
Formerly the wholesale fruit and vegetable hub for all of North Texas, the Dallas Farmers Market has evolved into a community-oriented space where urbanites congregate to shop and dine. Each weekend, local vendors set up shop under The Shed to peddle fresh goods of all kinds. What's more, the indoor area features a food hall with more than 20 restaurants and shops open throughout the week. Looks like your work is cut out for you.
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Steven Lindsey is a Thrillist contributor.
Source: https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/dallas/things-to-do-in-dallas
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