Surviving a Dallas summer takes some precious planning. The days are long and hot, and the ocean (and its beautiful breeze) is far, far, away. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a stellar summer itinerary to ensure that you soak up all that Dallas has to offer.
The Ultimate Dallas Summer Bucket List
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Published May 23, 2019
Nathan Schoreder
Do Some Retail Therapy at Amy Berry Home
Interior design enthusiasts everywhere from East Dallas to Preston Hollow have been anxiously awaiting the brick-and-mortar boutique by the talented Amy Berry. Although she’s been beautifying Dallas homes for years, she has finally opened the doors to a store full of her favorite things. Think plush dog beds, lamps, blue-and-white jars galore and even baby clothing with monogramming options. Amy Berry Home is located at 4012 Oak Lawn Ave. in the former Collective Residential space.
James Florio
See Dior at the Dallas Museum of Art
Lovers of fine fashion are sure to enjoy the Dior: From Paris to the World exhibition at the Dallas Museum of Art (open through September 1). This limited-time Texas treat profiles both Christian Dior himself and subsequent artistic directors including Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Maria Grazia Chiuri and more. Tickets start at $20 and DMA members can reserve their tickets for free online.
courtesy of The Adolphus Hotel
Catch a Flick at the Adolphus Pool
As part of the Adolphus Hotel pool’s Summer Cinema Series, guests are invited to the rooftop at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays to the outdoor swim-up theater. The lineup includes The Sandlot, Dirty Dancing, The Parent Trap, Heavy Weights and more. Attendees can also order summer-inspired bites and craft cocktails while enjoying the film.
Spend a Saturday Morning at Highland Park Village’s Local Market
Local Artisan Market at Highland Park Village features a curated collection of vendors from across Dallas-Fort Worth. Happening on June 15 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and then again on September 2, the bazaar boasts food, handcrafted goods, face painting and live entertainment for the entire family. Yummy food vendors include Savvy Sleepers, Lemon Glaze, Texas Olive Oil, Urban Spikes and more.
courtesy of Dallas Arboretum
Attend a Cool Thursdays Concert at the Dallas Arboretum
Nothing beats a sunny Thursday evening at the Dallas Arboretum, enjoying a wine and cheese picnic on the banks of White Rock Lake as you listen to a variety of cover bands. All shows are held on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and the lineup includes bands like Bruce in the USA, the Motowners, Journey Unauthorized, the Turnstiles a
Buy Locally Grown Food at the Dallas Farmers Market
If you haven’t spent a weekend morning strolling the Dallas Farmers Market, you’re totally missing out on one of downtown Dallas’s true treasures. Shopping the seasonal produce from local farms in the Shed should be a rite of passage for anyone who considers herself a local. Homemade blueberry, apple or peach pie? Fresh cucumber and tomato salad? The possibilities are endless—as are the local vendors who show up to sell their wares from all across North Texas and beyond.
Liz Valdez
Try One of Dallas’s Hot New Restaurants
This is never a bad idea, regardless of the season—but there’s something about a summer date night that feels extra exciting. Some recent openings that have us swooning for various reasons are Homewood, Beverley’s, Alam
Get Your Heart Pumping at SculptHouse or TruFusion
If there is one thing that Dallasites love more than a hot new restaurant, it’s a hot new workout. SculptHouse, located in Inwood Village, combines a Megaformer and a Woodway Curve treadmill for a low-impact (but high-intensity) 50-minute class. TruFusion, across the highway from NorthPark Center, offers a variety of sweat-inducing sessions all under one roof. Think cycling, yoga, Pilates, boot camp, TRX and more in both heated and non-heated environments.
courtesy of Kaboom Town
Post Up with Friends for Fourth of July Fireworks
Although there are plenty of places to watch fireworks in Dallas proper, the best of the best happens to be at Kaboom Town! in Addison. The 30-minute fireworks show actually takes place on July 3 at around 9:30 p.m. and serves as the unofficial start of the North Texas Independence Day celebrations.
Kathy Tran
Caffeinate for a Cause at La La Land Kind Cafe
As if you needed a reason to try Dallas’s hottest coffee shop. Whether you crave matcha, espresso or tea, the best thing about this darling spot just off Greenville Avenue is the mission behind it, which is to hire aged-out (or soon-to-age-out) foster youth. At La La Land Kind Cafe, employees learn fundamental job skills—timeliness, cleanliness, customer relations, productivity and teamwork. The world needs more La La Lands.
Rent SUP Boards or Kayaks at White Rock Lake
Although swimming is not an option, taking a kayak or stand-up paddle board on White Rock Lake is just about the best way to get your water fix inside the Dallas city limits. (There’s something so peaceful about waking up and hitting the water before the walking and biking trails are packed.) Reserve your equipment here and look for White Rock Paddle Company at 389 E. Lawther Drive, Wednesday through Sunday.
Complete the Margarita Mile
The hot summer temps tend to leave Dallas residents thirsty. Which is a great excuse to complete one of the city’s tastiest “races”: the Margarita Mile (OK, fine, it’s a bar crawl). You can even download the app in the App Store. Yep, it’s that legit. And while we believe that the only bad margarita is no margarita at all, we do have some favorites. Be on the lookout for “The Original” El Fenix Margarita, the Rimy Rita at the Rustic, and the Prickly Pear Puree Margarita at Matt’s Rancho Martinez.
Catch a Texas Rangers Game
Big beers, even bigger hot dogs and lots of bat-cracking baseball action are all the reasons we need to make the trek to Arlington to cheer on the home team. Special events at the ballpark this season include pop-culture nights, college theme nights, military appreciation games and Bark at the Park. Go, Rangers!
courtesy of Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas
Book a Rejuvenating Staycation to Scratch the Travel Itch Sans the Mileage
If all else fails you on this list, we can assure you that a little staycation at one of Dallas’s many amazing hotels is just what the doctor ordered. Think resting by the pool with cocktails, a relaxing day at the spa and even golf if you book at the uber relaxing Four Seasons Resort and Club at Las Colinas. No room will leave you disappointed, but booking a villa suite ensures that you’re instantly transported from the downtown hustle and bustle into the magical world otherwise known as vacation-land.
