There’s a temptation to get away during the summer and escape the hot temperatures. But if travel isn’t an option — or even if it is — hanging around town can be diverting. Here’s how to spend a weekend staycationing in our neighborhood.
Illustration by Jynnette Neal
8 a.m.
Satisfy cravings for a morning cup of joe or an afternoon pick-me-up at one of our neighborhood’s independent coffee shops. Experience an Australian coffee shop at LDU Coffee (original at 2650 N. Fitzhugh Ave.). Window Seat Coffee is inspired by the cabin of an airplane (3018 Greenville Ave.). Extend a greeting to one of our neighborhood’s newest shops, JuJu’s Coffee (6038 La Vista Drive), or one of its most established enterprises, White Rock Coffee (original at 10105 E. Northwest Highway).
9 a.m.
Start the day off right with a stroll, bike ride or jog around White Rock Lake. Furry friends are welcome but must be on a leash, unless they’re in the dog park. The view you’ll get while traversing the approximately 9 miles of trails varies. On the water, you might find neighbors rowing, sailing or kayaking. Along the path or near the shore, ducks may be gathering or native plants sprouting. If you have time, head inside the Bath House Cultural Center (521 E. Lawther Drive). Built in 1930, the Art Deco-style building once housed lockers and changing rooms for people who wanted to take a dip in the lake. Now, it’s a hub for performing and visual arts, and it houses the White Rock Lake Museum. Wander inside to read the story of the park; admission is free.
Illustration by Jynnette Neal
11 a.m.
Support small businesses at local markets and shops. Find fresh food, locally produced goodies and handmade crafts at Good Local Markets, which sets up near Little Forest Hills on Saturdays and Lakewood on Sundays (1450 Old Gate Lane, 6434 E. Mockingbird Lane). The Underground Market, founded by a husband-wife duo who have spent their lives in our neighborhood, hosts dozens of vendors selling vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces on Lower Greenville (5600 Alta Ave. on Saturdays, 5700 Oram St. on Sundays). Makers Connect gives North Texas artists a place to sell their crafts — jewelry, clothing, decor, glasswork, paintings and more (9047 Garland Road).
Illustration by Jynnette Neal
12:30 p.m.
Lunch al fresco at one of our neighborhood’s favorite hangouts. Bring the pets to Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House, and munch on some cheese fries (1154 Peavy Road). Or head to Smoky Rose for some barbecue (8602 Garland Road). Enjoy margaritas and ceviche at Taquero, which brings a piece of Mexico to Lower Greenville (5434 Ross Ave.). The restaurant also has a glassed-in room, combining the feel of outdoor dining with the benefit of air conditioning.
Illustration by Jynnette Neal
2 p.m.
Cool off, and let the kids work out some energy at The Cove at Samuell Grand (3201 Samuell Blvd.). Complete with a toddler pool, slides, diving board and lap pool, there’s something for everyone in the family. The park’s playground and ample open space for running around or throwing a football don’t hurt, either.
5 p.m.
Step into a haven for nature at Warren Ferris Cemetery (corner of San Leandro Drive and St. Francis Avenue). It’s a bit of a misnomer, because there’s only one headstone, and it doesn’t mark the specific burial site of the deceased. But a group of committed volunteers have toiled to transform the lot into a sanctuary for native plants and wildlife. Take a minute to bask in the peace and listen to the sounds.
Illustration by Jynnette Neal
6 p.m.
Dine like a local at some of the neighborhood’s favorite restaurants. Terilli’s, a Lower Greenville establishment for decades, is great for a celebratory dinner (2815 Greenville Ave.). The Italian eatery is famous for its extensive martini list. For something more casual, try Thunderbird Pies. Even the smaller option of their creative, Detroit-style pizzas is enough to feed several people, but save room for dessert: Thunderbird has an ice cream bar, a remnant of the bygone Cow Tipping Creamery (7328 Gaston Ave.).
7:30 p.m.
After dinner, head to the Balcony Club (1825 Abrams Road). Located next to Bowlski’s at Lakewood Shopping Center, the lounge offers libations and sonic surroundings. On any given night, visitors may find jazz, R&B, blues or rock, some of it orchestrated by bands that have made Balcony Club their stomping grounds. Though the bar has changed hands over the past 30 years, it remains a local hotspot.
8:45 p.m.
If there’s a craving for drama, attend a Shakespeare Dallas performance. Much Ado About Nothing and Two Gentlemen of Verona are the June productions for Dallas’ Shakespeare in the Park, held at Samuell Grand Amphitheater (6200 E. Grand Ave.). Bring your own drinks and snacks, along with a picnic blanket or lawn chairs, and enjoy the show under the stars.
Illustration by Jynnette Neal
