7 Days of Dallas Pictures Through the Lens of a Local

Whether you’re in the mood for a basketball game or a night at the opera, house-made linguine or a carnitas taco (or two), Dallas delivers a wide array of activities, eats and everything in between. That means I can always find something to discover and explore, from new shops to innovative breweries.

These Dallas pictures illustrate how I love to spend time in this diverse city.

Sunday’s Dallas pictures: Hit the trail

Photo Credit: Desiree Espada

Before the work week gets underway, I like to take a walk or go for a run at one of our many Dallas parks. May favorite is the Katy Trail, a paved 3.5-mile path that follows what was once a rail line. If you need sustenance along the way, stop at the Katy Trail Ice House and enjoy the patio and people-watching.

Monday’s Dallas pictures: Cheer on the home team

Photo Credit: Desiree Espada

Football may be king in Texas, but basketball and hockey take center stage at American Airlines Center. I’m a huge Dallas Stars hockey fan, so I catch as many games as I can from October to April (and hopefully into May and June for the playoffs). There’s also a variety of concerts and special events held at the AAC, but no matter what I’m headed to see, I try to stop at nearby Taqueria La Ventana beforehand for tacos and a margarita.

Tuesday’s Dallas pictures: Shop local

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kat French, Mosaic Makers Collective

In the mood for a shopping spree? There’s no better place to browse than Bishop Arts District. From the letterpress prints at We Are 1976 to home decor at Neighborhood, there’s something here for everyone. For truly Dallas items, visit Mosaic Makers Collective, a newcomer to the neighborhood that features goods made by locals. Between purchases, make a pit stop at Emporium Pies for a slice of their famed Drunken Nut (a bourbon-pecan pie with shortbread crust). Or grab a flight of ciders at Bishop Cider Co. after a day of shopping (I recommend the Crackberry).

Wednesday’s Dallas pictures: Get lost in a good book

Photo Credit: Desiree Espada

I love reading and try to support independent bookstores whenever I can. Interabang Books opened in 2017, and it’s been a welcome addition to the city’s literary scene. The staff recs are plentiful, the store supports and hosts Dallas authors and you can even join a book club.

Thursday’s Dallas pictures: Discover beautiful blooms

Photo Credit: Desiree Espada

Make time to stop and smell the roses—and the tulips and the azaleas. The 66-acre Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places to spend an evening. On Thursdays from March to June and September to October, cover bands paying tribute to artists from Prince to Tom Petty take the stage. But the schedule is packed year-round. Don’t miss the pumpkin patch in the fall—2017’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz–themed setup included some 90,000 gourds!

Friday’s Dallas pictures: Embrace art

Photo Credit: Desiree Espada

Culture seekers will love the downtown museum scene. On the third Friday of the month in the summer and fall, the free ’til Midnight at the Nasher series lets you explore the renowned sculpture center, catch an outdoor concert and watch a movie in the garden. The Dallas Museum of Art is worth a trip any day of the week, but on the third Friday of the month, the DMA’s Late Nights give you after-hours access, complemented by live music, cocktails and talks.

Saturday’s Dallas pictures: Find a patio perch

Photo Credit: Desiree Espada

When the weather’s nice, especially in the spring, I’m always on the lookout for a patio where I can relax with friends. The Lower Greenville neighborhood has some great options—Truck Yard offers outdoor seating and a variety of food trucks, while the rooftop at HG Supply supplies views of the city. Five minutes up Greenville Avenue, the Granada Theater is one of my favorite venues for catching an intimate concert.

Pro tip: Try the restaurant next door, Sundown at Granada, for tasty flatbreads and cocktails before your show.