Five Things to Do in Dallas

Wondering what to do in Dallas during your free time? We did some research and there are a lot of options! So much that we can’t cover it in one article. To get you started, here are five ways to spend your time if you arrive a day early or plan to stay late during Conclave.

1. The Sixth Floor Museum
   The Sixth Floor Museum chronicles the life of John F. Kennedy—the 35th President of the United States—from a historical, social, and cultural perspective. Browse through more than 90,000 artifacts and stand in the exact window that Oswald fired from. Afterward, head to the Grassy Knoll before making your way to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza a few blocks away.
2. Texas Horse Park
   Forget the rental car—ride a horse! The 302-acre park sits within the Great Trinity Forest, an area once owned by Davy Crockett and his wife. With riding lessons and trails the Texas Horse Park is an homage to Texas’ equestrian history. Ride along the Trinity River amid beautiful trees, freshwater springs, and a large Native American archaeological site.
3. The McKinney Trolley
   Dallas is home to a historic trolley, which makes its way up and down the lively McKinney Avenue in Uptown and the downtown Arts District. Founded in 1983, it usually operates 365 days a year and is free of charge. Hop on and off for a bar and food crawl featuring some of the best pubs in town—one particular highlight is The Standard Pour, known for its barrel-aged cocktails. Or jump on the trolley in Uptown and hop off at Klyde Warren Park or the Dallas Museum of Art to see what Downtown has to offer.
4. Hyland Park Village
   Folks in Dallas love to shop, and it shows. The first outdoor shopping center in America is as renowned for its Spanish-influenced architecture as its haute couture. Shop among the newest luxury lines at Highland Park Village stores like Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, and Cartier. Dallas is also home to the epic NorthPark Center, an award-winning citadel of style blending over 235 stores with contemporary art and a 1.4-acre garden with water features.
5. Dallas Arboretum
   Considered one of the top arboretums in the world, this 66-acre botanical garden offers nature exhibits throughout the year such as the largest floral festival in the southwest, Artscape, an arts and crafts show, and pumpkin and Christmas holiday displays in the fall and winter. Wander along the “Texas Skywalk” for amazing city views, relax on the rooftop of the “Moody Oasis” and walk under a waterfall at “the Cascades.” Bringing the kids? Then check out the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, where there are botanicals and water-features galore.

Need more? Stay tuned. We’ll cover more fun things to do in Dallas (other than Conclave) in upcoming issues!