I love Texas. The delicious juicy BBQ, bright lively neighborhoods, and of course–the weather.
So when I had a free week to head somewhere warm, Dallas Texas was at the top of my list. I’ve been before (and loved it!) but if you’ve never been, let’s talk about what to do in Dallas.
Eat Big
HG SPLY Co
If you’re looking for an energetic vibe, fresh and vibrant flavors, and food that makes you feel good, HG is where it’s at.
I ordered the KC Beef Burger Bowl with The Stack. I’m drooling just thinking about it. They also have fresh-squeezed juices, which are always a plus for me (I’m a sucker for juice).
Zizikis
Do you like Greek food? Are you a big fan of gyros? If you answered “yes” to those 2 questions, make your way to Zizikis on Travis Walk.
Take in the authentic Greek surroundings and order yourself a fancy martini, a hummus spread, and of course–a giant delicious gyro. 10/10 would eat again.
Pecan Lodge
A trip to Dallas wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Pecan Lodge. Don’t even think about showing up if you’re not ravenously hungry because the servings sizes are Texas Big!
Beef brisket, pulled pork, and mac 
Pro tip: You can easily split a small combo (above) between 2 people.
Drink Good
If you’re looking to do some drinking, I suggest heading to:
Stay Fit
Katy Trail
Staying fit on vacation doesn’t have to involve going to the gym! Going for a hike, hitting the trails, or diving in for a swim all count, too. Luckily, if you’re headed to Dallas, the historic Katy Trail offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
We went for a nice long walk, zigzagging through different parts of Dallas, and truly enjoyed all the fresh air and greenery.
The best part is that you’re close enough to cafes, restaurants, and shops that you can break up your trek with food and shopping so it feels less like exercise and more like an adventure.
PARADIGM Gym
If hitting the weights or sweating through a circuit is more your style, you’ll definitely want to head over to PARADIGM Gym. I wrote an entire blog post about my experience at PARADIGM, so be sure to read that before stopping in.
Anything you could possibly want out of a gym, PARADIGM has, and more. If I lived here, I’d be a member for sure.
Holiday Fun
ICE!
If you’re visiting the Lone Star State around the holidays, you absolutely have to go to ICE! at the Gaylord Texas Resort. It’s a magnificent display of 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. This year’s theme was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and it was REMARKABLE.
A team of ice-carvers from Harbin China travel to Grapevine Texas (Dallas) each year to transform 30 truckloads of ice into a Winter Wonderland. You won’t believe it until you see it, and even then you’ll be in awe.
If you’re lucky enough to go to ICE! make sure you pack warm gloves, a hat, and a coat–because it’s 9º inside, but really feels like -100º.
Enchant
Another holiday “must do” in Texas is Enchant Arlington.
Basically, the entire Rangers Stadium (Globe Life Park) becomes a lit-up WinterWonderland. I’m talking ALL OF THE LIGHTS.
There’s more to do than just admire the light displays–although they could entertain you for days. There’s ice skating, food, drinks, Santa, and a winter market–which is like an indoor farmer’s market.
Thousands of people walk around, wrapped in fur coats and snuggled in scarves, sipping hot chocolate, and gasping in awe at the coolest Christmas display ever. This is a date night MUST.
Explore
Dallas World Aquarium
Zoos and aquariums can be touchy subjects for a lot of people. Especially if you’re an animal lover like me. However, I had a blast visiting the Dallas World Aquarium and seeing hundreds of animals I’d never see elsewhere.
Flamingos (my fav) 
Toucan Sam 
That’s a sleepy shark 
Little bb penguins
This is a great option if you’re looking for something to do during the day or if it’s not ideal weather outside and you need to spend some time indoors. It’s also a perfect place to take kids–because it’s ridiculously entertaining and truly educational.
Other Fun Dallas Things
That about sums up what I did in Dallas this time around, but there’s tons more to do in this giant diverse city. A few more ideas:
- Get caffeinated at some of the best coffee shops in Dallas: TOASTED, Fiction Coffee, Houndstooth Coffee, Ascension
- Catch a professional sports game: Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, and Texas Rangers are all fun to see in action
- See the best view in the city at the top of Reunion Tower
- Love museums? Dallas is full of them: Dallas Museum of Art, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, The Sixth Floor Museum, George W. Bush Presidential Center
Whatever you do in Dallas, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. The entertainment and food options are endless, and there’s no shortage of walking paths, hype gyms, or caffeine-loaded coffee shops.
Happy travels and positive vibes,
Kails
Side of Kail 
Keep sharing, stay motivated
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Thank you!
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Hi Kails!
I’m so excited that I stumbled across this post. I actually drove by the Paradigm gym randomly last weekend. I’m so nervous to move to Dallas after being in the SF Bay Area for a decade. #timeforachange but this post is full of some things I can’t wait to see/try. The trail will definitely be an adventure day. Thanks for posting this!
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Hey Phoebe! Yay, so glad you loved it. What’s taking you to Dallas? If you stop into Paradigm, ask to meet with Roman!!! He makes you feel right at home & is the most motivating human I’ve ever met.
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I’m headed to Dallas for a new start and looking at my future. Everything in the Bay is so hustle and bustle which was awesome during my 20’s. Just time to slow down and focus on what’s important. I definitely will đŸ™‚
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I wish you the best of luck! I’d love to follow your journey, do you have Instagram?
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I do! It’s msphoebebran:)
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Followed đŸ™‚
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