As the weekend approaches, most students face the popular question, “What’s there to do this weekend?” This question resounds in classrooms, residence halls and Greek houses across the Southern Methodist University campus as students look forward to the weekend.
Between Greenville Avenue, Deep Ellum and the West End, college students feast on the thriving night life of this sleek, stylish and contemporary city. After numerous weekends of bars and endless fraternity parties, students begin to believe this college town only offers a vibrant night-life.
This misconception leaves many SMU students lounging around their rooms each weekend with a variety of unknown activities at their fingertips.
“While Dallas’ charms may not be evident at first glance a little digging reveals a city with a surprising array of activities for everyone from culture vultures to shopaholics,” states the visitors section of GuideLive.com.
After a little research, it is easy to discover some alternatives to the well-known attractions such as professional sporting events, the Dallas World Aquarium or the popular music venues in the area.
Tired of eating Lean Cuisines and Ramen Noodles? The cooking classes at Central Market will teach you how to prepared easy, fabulous meals. These classes focus on a wide range cuisines and techniques. The chefs invite attendees to watch as they prepare a gourmet meal while the students sip wine and taste each course.
If the sound of sipping wine is appealing to those students over 21, drive south on Interstate 75 to Knox Avenue, where one of the best wine stores in Dallas is located. Best Cellars features unique wines from renowned regions all over the globe. Not a wine connoisseur? The super friendly staff willingly answers all your questions, and the laid back atmosphere makes it easy to spend hours browsing the labels and tasting the wines. The store also frequently hosts winetasting events.
In contrast to these indoor activities, Dallas offers plenty of outdoor attraction, allowing residents to enjoy the mild southern climate. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens allow visitors to bask in the vibrant colors of autumn as they walk along the winding sidewalks framing each individual garden. The Arboretum also hosts seasonal events, such as the upcoming “Holiday in the Arboretum,” which runs from Nov. 25-Dec. 31.
If students want to find their inner cowboy, they should journey over to the Fort Worth Stockyards. This historical district has “preserved the architecture of the area” as it was when these stockyards were the “second-largest cattle market in the world,” according to GuideLive.com. The district features shops, saloons and a variety of restaurants.
After meandering around the stockyards, head over to Billy Bob’s Texas. This popular venue attracts people of all ages desiring to hear live country music.The legendary honky-tonk hosts notorious country musician from across the country as they entertain visitors in the comfortable atmosphere. Billy Bob’s also offers dance lessons as well as bull riding.
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie houses thoroughbred and quarterhorse racing in the 36,000-square-foot Post Time Pavilion. The park includes a Las-Vegas style race book and sports bar. Get a group of friends together and head to Grand Prairie for a day of gambling at the races.
Need a culture fix? The Dallas Museum of Art hosts a late night event every third Saturday of the month. “The DMA stays open [until] midnight with a crazy schedule of activities: music and dance performances, yoga classes, cooking demonstrations and karaoke,” notes the Dallas Observer. The price of an admission ticket allows visitors to participate in all night’s festivities
Other little known attractions include the West End Comedy Theater’s Open Mike Night, which takes place every Wednesday at 8 p.m. The theater invites potential comedians to prepare a two-minute routine and test their stand-up comedy skills. The West End Marketplace’s theater will surely entertain those students wishing to start their weekend a little early.
If students would rather be entertained than entertain, the East Dallas Acoustic All-Stars perform every other Sunday evening at the Barley House on Henderson Avenue. Come watch as some of the best musicians in Dallas “try to impress and entertain and surprise the other musicians. The set list continues to change – so two shows are never the same. It’s a wonderfully relaxing, feel-good way to end a week,” states the Dallas Observer in its “Best of 2004” column.
In the mood for a good laugh? The Personal Renaissance Hypnosis Studio located on Hall Street might satisfy this craving. Rex Rasor, a certified hypnotist and former stand-up comic, “has been delving into the subconscious realms for years and showing people how they can develop a killer tennis serve, quit smoking, lose weight or [simply become more self confident],” notes the Dallas Observer. This experience guarantees to provide a good laugh and a change of mind.
Students should find something appealing in the wide array of options listed above. Make this weekend unique from every other Saturday and Sunday by exploring the many attractions Dallas has to offer.
