In My Backyard: East Dallas
So many times we equate adventure with far-flung locales or some crazy experience like swimming with sharks or jumping out of planes.
I'm here to tell you, you can step away from the open plane door ... and get out of that cage away from the sharks. I know there's an adventure waiting just around the corner from you. Really.
OK, so maybe it won't provide you with the same adrenaline rush. My point is, sometimes we take such pains to search out novel, adventurous experiences that we miss out on the ones that are already right under our noses (and won't cost us our lives or require a 17-hour plane trip or a year's salary).
So, I'm starting this regular feature, "In My Backyard" to share the places that are fun, offbeat adventures. Since I live in Dallas, the initial focus will be on the DFW Metro area. But my hope is that I can enlist the help of other friends in places around the country to guest blog and share their top 5-10 spots in their own backyards.
Almost seven years ago, I relocated to Texas, specifically Dallas, to be closer to family. I NEVER thought I would stay. Turns out, I love Dallas. Actually, I love East Dallas, which is the area East of I-75 (aka: Central Expressway), north of I-30 and south of 635 (aka: LBJ).
I'm here to tell you, you can step away from the open plane door ... and get out of that cage away from the sharks. I know there's an adventure waiting just around the corner from you. Really.
OK, so maybe it won't provide you with the same adrenaline rush. My point is, sometimes we take such pains to search out novel, adventurous experiences that we miss out on the ones that are already right under our noses (and won't cost us our lives or require a 17-hour plane trip or a year's salary).
So, I'm starting this regular feature, "In My Backyard" to share the places that are fun, offbeat adventures. Since I live in Dallas, the initial focus will be on the DFW Metro area. But my hope is that I can enlist the help of other friends in places around the country to guest blog and share their top 5-10 spots in their own backyards.
Almost seven years ago, I relocated to Texas, specifically Dallas, to be closer to family. I NEVER thought I would stay. Turns out, I love Dallas. Actually, I love East Dallas, which is the area East of I-75 (aka: Central Expressway), north of I-30 and south of 635 (aka: LBJ).
The part I'm particularly enamoured of is the area near White Rock Lake. Bet you didn't know there was a big lake in the middle of Dallas. Well, there is, and there is a really cool, dare I say, Austin-esque vibe to this side of Big D.
You won't see big hair, a lot of evident plastic surgery, stilettos or lots of makeup -- the quintessential Dallas stereotypes.
What you will find are a lot of cyclists and runners, dogs, some great little neighborhoods, stunning, established homes and trees! Lots of big, old, beautiful, towering live oaks.
You won't see big hair, a lot of evident plastic surgery, stilettos or lots of makeup -- the quintessential Dallas stereotypes.
What you will find are a lot of cyclists and runners, dogs, some great little neighborhoods, stunning, established homes and trees! Lots of big, old, beautiful, towering live oaks.
Here are my top five six spots for adventures in East Dallas.
1. WHITE ROCK LAKE. Bring your bike or rent one from Richardson Bike Mart on East Garland Avenue (for about $30/day). Then head off on the 9-mile loop around the lake. Watch out, because there are some serious bikers here who can be obnoxious sometimes. They take biking very. seriously. There's also a kayak, canoe and paddle board rental trailer through White Rock Paddle Company. If you are steady on a paddle board, go for it, but if you don't have the balance of a yogi, I might stick to a canoe or kayak. Just sayin' -- it's not really swimming water. But great bird watching (Look for the wild green parrots. You'll likely hear them before you see them.).
2. THE LOT. If you are coming from the north on White Rock Trail, you'll come to a fork on the southeast side of the lake. Veer right toward the Santa Fe Trail and stay on the path for about a mile, where you'll get to the backside entrance for The Lot restaurant. Pull into the back parking lot, park your bike and head to the shady, misted outside seating. Great locally sourced food here. I love their fresh juice of the day with a shot of Tito's vodka. And for sure get the yucca fries and cayenne dusted cauliflower. If you've got kids in tow, there's a huge sand lot with toys where they can run around and play while you drink the aforementioned Tito's. After all that riding, you need a cool refreshing adult beverage!
3. HYPNOTIC DONUTS. You have not eaten a proper donut until you've been here. Get here early -- the lines are long and the donuts go fast. My favorite is the Peace'Statio -- a cake donut with brown butter icing and chopped pistachios on top. How can you not love a place that cranks up great music at 7 a.m. (Bob Marley is a fave) and has donuts named the "Breaking Bad" (salted caramel) and "Evil Elvis" (peanut butter, bacon and banana-topped donut). They also have the most incredible chicken and biscuits that are about the size of your head. Oh, and they serve French press coffee from Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters for any of you fellow coffee snobs.
4. ARBORETUM. So, if you live in the DFW area, I sure hope this is a place you've already been. If not, get your self here. The gardens are un-believable and it fronts White Rock Lake. I think it's hands-down the most beautiful place in the Metroplex. Great for a stroll, or bring a picnic and chill out on the hill overlooking the lake.
5. FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES POOL. This is East Dallas' best-kept-secret. Where to even begin? I love this place for so many reasons. First of all, it's hidden at the end of a street in a tree-lined neighborhood. Second, the people watching is PHENOMENAL. I mean, really, you will see people from all walks of life here. But all are super cool. Third, and most importantly, this is essentially a BAR with a POOL. As in, they serve jello shots, mixed drinks, beer and have live music. And there's a delightfully refreshing pool. Despite all that, it's not raucous. It's just a cool place to spend a lazy summer afternoon.
6. WHITE ROCK LOCAL MARKET. I love a farmer's market. And although I do like the big farmer's market downtown, I like this homegrown version best. It rotates Saturdays between the Lakeside Baptist Church parking lot on Garland and the Green Spot parking lot on Buckner. They work really hard to make sure vendors offer unique food and handmade products -- and that they really are local. We love the bee guy. He brings a live honeycomb and locally made honey ... and is dressed like a bee.
There you have it. But there are so many more great spots in Dallas I can't wait to share with you.
Until then ... happy trails!
Kate
1. WHITE ROCK LAKE. Bring your bike or rent one from Richardson Bike Mart on East Garland Avenue (for about $30/day). Then head off on the 9-mile loop around the lake. Watch out, because there are some serious bikers here who can be obnoxious sometimes. They take biking very. seriously. There's also a kayak, canoe and paddle board rental trailer through White Rock Paddle Company. If you are steady on a paddle board, go for it, but if you don't have the balance of a yogi, I might stick to a canoe or kayak. Just sayin' -- it's not really swimming water. But great bird watching (Look for the wild green parrots. You'll likely hear them before you see them.).
 |
| Bridge at White Rock Lake --Photo Credit Dallas CVB |
2. THE LOT. If you are coming from the north on White Rock Trail, you'll come to a fork on the southeast side of the lake. Veer right toward the Santa Fe Trail and stay on the path for about a mile, where you'll get to the backside entrance for The Lot restaurant. Pull into the back parking lot, park your bike and head to the shady, misted outside seating. Great locally sourced food here. I love their fresh juice of the day with a shot of Tito's vodka. And for sure get the yucca fries and cayenne dusted cauliflower. If you've got kids in tow, there's a huge sand lot with toys where they can run around and play while you drink the aforementioned Tito's. After all that riding, you need a cool refreshing adult beverage!
3. HYPNOTIC DONUTS. You have not eaten a proper donut until you've been here. Get here early -- the lines are long and the donuts go fast. My favorite is the Peace'Statio -- a cake donut with brown butter icing and chopped pistachios on top. How can you not love a place that cranks up great music at 7 a.m. (Bob Marley is a fave) and has donuts named the "Breaking Bad" (salted caramel) and "Evil Elvis" (peanut butter, bacon and banana-topped donut). They also have the most incredible chicken and biscuits that are about the size of your head. Oh, and they serve French press coffee from Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters for any of you fellow coffee snobs.
4. ARBORETUM. So, if you live in the DFW area, I sure hope this is a place you've already been. If not, get your self here. The gardens are un-believable and it fronts White Rock Lake. I think it's hands-down the most beautiful place in the Metroplex. Great for a stroll, or bring a picnic and chill out on the hill overlooking the lake.
 |
| Tree tunnel at Dallas Arboretum -- Photo credit Dallas CVB |
5. FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES POOL. This is East Dallas' best-kept-secret. Where to even begin? I love this place for so many reasons. First of all, it's hidden at the end of a street in a tree-lined neighborhood. Second, the people watching is PHENOMENAL. I mean, really, you will see people from all walks of life here. But all are super cool. Third, and most importantly, this is essentially a BAR with a POOL. As in, they serve jello shots, mixed drinks, beer and have live music. And there's a delightfully refreshing pool. Despite all that, it's not raucous. It's just a cool place to spend a lazy summer afternoon.
6. WHITE ROCK LOCAL MARKET. I love a farmer's market. And although I do like the big farmer's market downtown, I like this homegrown version best. It rotates Saturdays between the Lakeside Baptist Church parking lot on Garland and the Green Spot parking lot on Buckner. They work really hard to make sure vendors offer unique food and handmade products -- and that they really are local. We love the bee guy. He brings a live honeycomb and locally made honey ... and is dressed like a bee.
There you have it. But there are so many more great spots in Dallas I can't wait to share with you.
Until then ... happy trails!
Kate
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