By Nikki Dabney
Whether you’ve grown up in Dallas, have lived here for four years of college or are just staying here for spring break, here’s how to become a tourist in your own city and make the best of a week away from school in D-Town.
1. The Dallas Arboretum
Enjoy the spring flowers at the Dallas Arboretum, nominated for USA Today’s Best Botanical Garden. (If you agree, vote here!)
The arboretum’s Dallas Blooms is the largest floral festival in the Southwest. This year’s festival includes Gary Lee Price’s “Great Contributors” exhibit. Life-size bronze sculptures are featured throughout the park, including Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Albert Einstein and William Shakespeare. You can take a guided tour through the gardens Thursday, March 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visiting each Great Contributor along the way.
Wednesday, March 9, the arboretum extends its hours to 8 p.m., so you can explore the beauty of the gardens at night. Plus, if you’re on a budget, you can buy one get one free admission through April 6 too.
A popular tradition during Blooms is the three-course spring tea at the historic DeGolyer House. This is available any day, but you’ll need to make a reservation.
Thursday, March 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., you can participate in “Savor the Arboretum,” which includes a wine, beer and spirits tasting and food sampling from some of the most popular restaurants in Dallas for $70.
The Dallas Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission tickets are available online or at the ticket booth and cost $15.
2. Dallas Summer Musicals
Who doesn’t love a Disney throwback? Dallas Summer Musicals presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the Music Hall at Fair Park. If you want to wait for the best price, there is a student discount available for the March 15-18 and 22-25 evening performances. Student tickets are $25, but don’t forget to bring your student ID.
3. Beatles Tribute
“Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they’re here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday.” Leave all your troubles behind and attend A Tribute to The Beatles March 11-13. Tickets start at $19.
4. Klyde Warren Park
Change up your workout routine from the walls of the Dedman Rec Center to the fresh air of Klyde Warren Park. Join in on a Zumba class in the park Wednesday, March 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. Or take a break from exercise this week and just enjoy the food trucks – yum!
