Your Guide to a DARTable Staycation

Posted on Mar 7, 2017 by dartdallas
Photo 2 Enjoying Spring Break doesn't necessarily mean you have to take a vacation somewhere many miles away. In fact, staying local can be just as exciting as a trip away from home. Whether you’re an art buff, adrenaline junkie or a shopping pro, Dallas-Fort Worth is filled with engaging and unique DARTable spots to make your “staycation” experience one to remember. Discover Art  For art fans, Spring Break offers an opportunity to view some extraordinary works by famous artists. Luckily, The Louvre in Paris, France, or "the Met" in New York City aren't the only places to see beautiful art – the DFW area has extensive collections to suit your need for more visually intriguing entertainment. Sample art and culture by catching an exhibit at the African American Museum in Fair Park or the Crow Collection of Asian Art in Downtown Dallas. For family-friendly and free hands-on activities, visit the Dallas Museum of Art during the week of March 14-17. Interactive entertainment for creative types are often included in the free, general admission from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other options for an art-day-out include the Irving Arts Center or Nasher Sculpture Center. Enjoy Family Fun Getting the whole family organized for a vacation can be tricky. The good news is, staying local offers all the joys of fun out with the family, but with none of the hassle of making sure everyone packed a toothbrush. Give the kiddos a fun Spring Break in town at the Dallas Zoo, where they can get up close with a lion or make friends with a giraffe. You also can let your little ones release their inner animal at Nickelrama Arcade in Garland that yes – takes real nickels at their vintage and modern arcade games. If you’re looking for an adventure under the sea, check out the Dallas World Aquarium in the West End or the Children’s Aquarium in Fair Park.  Refuel and soak up a little springtime sun with a picnic in Klyde Warren Park. Finally, don’t be afraid to feature a little education on their break to go back to school fresh – check out a rare local film at the Angelika, take a tour of the Sixth Floor Museum, or visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science to experience a “living science lesson.” Explore Outdoors Adventures Soaking up the sun this Spring Break is a must for all outdoor adventurers. White Rock Lake and the Arboretum are iconic for their beautiful views, but there are many other DARTable spots perfect for joggers, picnic-lovers and ultimate frisbee fanatics like Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve in Plano. We also recommend a trip to the Trinity River Audubon Center to explore their five miles of trails through three ecosystems: wetland, forest and prairie.  Want to experience the rain forest just off the Green Line?  Stop by the Fair Park’s “urban oasis” Texas Discovery Gardens, featuring the two-story Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium. Treat Yourself Life can be stressful. Work, school, chores…they all pile up and they all mean that Spring Break is prime time to treat yourself. Spa Castle in Carrollton is a great DARTable stop to refresh and renew yourself with body scrubs, massages, spa pools and hand/foot reflexology. You also could try a day of shopping at NorthPark Center, including Lush. They have a variety of products made for a day of pampering like their popular fizzing bath bombs and foot soaks. At the end of the day, enjoy dinner at Eno’s Pizza and dessert at Dude Sweet Chocolate, both in the Bishop Arts District. Top off the perfect day with a night cap at the Midnight Rambler at The Joule in Downtown Dallas. After all, calories don’t count on vacation, right? Branch Out A staycation doesn’t have to mean your own backyard. It’s okay to branch out a little by hopping a city or two over to widen your vacation parameters. Downtown Carrollton has a number of nostalgic boutiques and hardy restaurants that are just steps away from the Downtown Carrollton Station. Whether it’s a home cooked, family style meal from Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, wood-fired oven cooked Neapolitan style pizza from Cane Rosso, or Northern Chinese inspired noodles and dumplings from Monkey King Noodle Co., this historic district has something for all taste buds. After lunch, or before dinner, go craft shopping at staples like The Old Craft Store, Sooz Boutique or Silver Star Mercantile, while enjoying a sweet treat from Bloom’s Candy & Soda Shop or the Cow Tipping Creamery truck (parked outside of Monkey King Noodle Co.). If Fort Worth is more your style, take the TRE west for a fun day out at the beautiful Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Downtown offers just as much beauty in architecture at Sundance Square, and masterpieces at the Amon Carter Museum of Art in Fort Worth plays hosts to several world-class museums that are a good addition to any staycation. Visit tripplan.dart.org to plan your staycation adventures. Check out more fun things to see and do at DART.org/DARTable.
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