Dive Into Dallas – A City That Has It All
From trendy neighborhoods and historical museums to stunning gardens and exciting nightlife, Dallas will surprise you with everything it offers. And best of all, these must-see spots are within a few miles from The Gaston, making our Boutique Dallas bed and breakfast the perfect home base for your Dallas escape.
Day One – Nature in Bloom and Nightlife Nearby
Start your first day in Dallas by exploring the Dallas Arboretum, regarded as one of the top botanical gardens in the world and an oasis of beauty within city limits. Their gorgeous 66-acre property is right on the banks of White Rock Lake and a quick 4-mile drive from our location in Old East Dallas. As you head over on Gaston Ave, stop in at Whole Foods (at Gaston and Abrams) and grab picnic fixings, as the manicured lawns and lakefront views at the gardens are lovely for having an afternoon snack. The sprawling grounds include several separate garden areas, including the Orchid Hollow, outdoor sculptures, waterfalls, and foliage trimmed masterfully to look like birds. Each season has a different focus, and springtime is ideal for catching their famous “Dallas Blooms” exhibit, which runs through April 16th and features an astonishing 500,000+ tulips bursting with color. Catch free music on the weekends between 12 pm and 4 pm at two different stages, with admission included with your entry ticket, and enjoy your picnic spread while listening to local artists take the stage.
After returning to your unique suite at our boutique bed & breakfast to get ready for an evening on the town, make your way to Lower Greenville, one of the hippest neighborhoods in Dallas. The district starts at the southern end of Greenville Ave, just a mile away and easily walkable, and is lively any night of the week. Sit down for delicious ramen and small specialty Japanese plates at Wabi House, or grab some tasty gastropub fare at Libertine, which has fun drink specials like Texas beer and wine night, featuring locally-made pours. Browse the extensive aisles of vinyl at local fave Good Records and catch a show at the Granada Theater, whose art deco interior is as eclectic as their calendar, which includes everything from folk to indie rock and ‘90s grunge. Wind down the evening with a tasty nightcap at HIDE cocktail bar, where expert mixologists craft new twists on classic cocktails, like an old-fashioned with a homemade coriander infusion.
Dallas Escape Day Two – Head Downtown, Where the Historical and the Modern Meet
For the second day of your Dallas escape, head downtown, just 5 miles from us and on the west side of the 75 and 345 highways that flow through the city’s center. After stopping for some fresh food from one of the hundreds of vendors at the downtown Dallas Farmers Market, dive into one of America’s most infamous historical moments at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, also known as the “JFK Museum.” Through storyboards, interactive video exhibits, and historical relics (like the Dallas Morning News announcement of JFK’s visit to Dallas), you’ll get a hands-on look at how the events of JFK’s assassination played out. In addition to being able to stand in the very spot where Oswald hid out with his rifle on that fateful day in 1963, the museum does an excellent job of giving historical background about the political climate of Kennedy’s short-lived presidency (he served for less than three years). And this year will mark the 60th anniversary, sure to be commemorated by ongoing special events at the museum.
After learning about the Dallas of yesteryear, walk just a couple blocks to the Reunion Tower, an iconic landmark of modern-day Dallas. The tower’s observation deck offers 360-degree views of the entire cityscape from a platform 460 feet in the sky. The glass elevator ride up is a thrill, capped off by breathtaking views at the top (if you’re afraid of heights, an enclosed interior viewing deck will be more your speed). The tower is open from 1-8:30 pm daily, but if possible, plan to visit in the late afternoon and catch a sunset from way up high. Check their calendar for rotating special events, including live magic on the observation deck and “Tower After Hours,” with wine and a party vibe on select Friday and Saturday nights.
Day Three – Trendy Shopping, A Lakeshore Sunset, and Deep Ellum’s Magic
Begin your third day by venturing across Dallas to the Bishop Arts District, which is like a city within the city, full of unique clothing shops, art galleries, and diverse food options. Start with coffee or a smoothie from Tribal All Day Cafe and browse the shops nearby, where you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to artisan handicrafts, funky furniture, and Texas themed art. Get out of the midday heat for an afternoon matinee at the legendary Texas Theater, which has been screening new and classic movies in the Bishop neighborhood since 1931. Choose from several hotspots for a refreshing cocktail, including the Mediterranean-themed Casablanca, which also ups the fun factor with its karaoke lounge.
Head back across the city (still only 10 miles) in the afternoon and catch the sunset at White Rock Lake. Anywhere along the scenic shoreline of the 1,000-acre lake is relaxing but find a shaded spot on the eastern side to get a full panoramic view of the Dallas city skyline over the water as the sun sets. Spots like Pelican Point are also great for bird watching, with ducks galore and massive American white pelicans that make their home at White Rock during the wintertime.
There’s no better place to spend your last evening in Dallas than in Deep Ellum, our city’s legendary and quintessential nightlife district dating back over 100 years. The heart of Deep Ellum is just a mile from the Gaston and is our always-buzzing neighbor in history-rich East Dallas. From outdoor honky-tonk country bars to DJs spinning electronica and local bands playing every night of the week, stroll down Deep Ellum’s main drag and see where the music takes you. Pick between traditional barbeque, Cajun eats, Tex-Mex dishes, or wood-fired pizza for dinner, with restaurants filling every block. And you can’t miss the street art – Deep Ellum’s artistic character shines through in the 100+ murals spread throughout the district, adding vibrant color to every corner and back alley.
Book your stay with us – your perfect Dallas escape awaits!
