Home to the NFL Cowboys, Texas State Fair, and a huge concentration of dining and shopping options, Dallas is the Lone Star State’s third-largest city after Houston and San Antonio. There’s no denying the wealth of entertainment and sightseeing to be had in the modern metropolitan Southern hub, but even a short drive outside its limits there is even more to be explored.
Especially when it comes to planning weekend activities, Dallas is the perfect location to spring off from. Whether you are already a local or perhaps have an upcoming trip planned, check out these fun getaway ideas that are all just a short drive away from the city’s centre.
See a Show at the “Live Music Capital of the World”
Located just under three hours from Dallas is the capital city of Texas, Austin. Commonly referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” the city is an international destination where the arts and musical talent thrive. The city contains a wealth of interesting museums, beautiful outdoor parks and trails and, of course, festivals galore.
The energetic atmosphere of Austin is undeniable and best seen through its abundant display of live music opportunities. Whether it’s country, tech, pop, or soul music you’re after, this hippie haven has it all. Check out this list of upcoming concerts to be sure you get the most out of your stay in rockin’ Austin.
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The Austin City Limits Music Festival is one popular annual event that takes place over the course of two weekends in the city’s downtown centre
Play Thrilling Games at Thackerville’s WinStar World Casino
If you happen to find yourself in Dallas or its surroundings, you must take a short weekend excursion up north to the WinStar World Casino. Situated less than 1 hour and 30 minutes from the city, this gaming complex in Thackerville, Oklahoma is the largest casino in the entire world. That’s right, you heard correctly – the biggest on the planet!
With a whopping 400,000 square feet of floor space, this casino is unlike anything you have ever seen or experienced. WinStar World houses 100 table games and nine different gaming plazas in addition to its 8,500 electronic games, with a large majority being slots. Of course, the decision to have so many fruit machines makes sense as most regular patrons list them as their favorite game to play in casinos. However, no matter your choice of activity, a trip to WinStar World is hassle-free and full of enormous thrills.
Take a Road Trip to Oklahoma’s Route 66
When most people think of Route 66, they automatically think of Arizona or New Mexico and the dry desert that surrounds it. However, few know that America’s most famous highway actually begins in downtown Chicago and travels through many states before reaching its final destination in Santa Monica.
If you’re in Dallas and interested in making a bit of a longer weekend drive (less than 4 hours) up north to Oklahoma, some of the best spots on Route 66 await you in Oklahoma City.
The famous Route 66 cuts through various towns in the south-central state of Oklahoma
Explore the History and Natural Beauty of Jefferson
If historical nature sites interest you more than concerts and casino gaming, a trip to Jefferson, Texas is the perfect getaway option. Located directly east of Dallas, Jefferson is known as one of the most interesting towns in the Lone Star State, boasting an array of natural beauty and 1800s history.
Perhaps its most popular site is the unbelievably stunning Caddo Lake State Park, home to the world’s biggest Bald Cypress Forest which covers over 500 acres. Visitors can enjoy a canoe or kayak ride on one of Texas’ most famous natural lakes as the low-hanging trees tower above. Guests of the park should also keep themselves up to date with the state’s latest freshwater fishing regulations if they desire to throw a line.
Not to mention alligators also call the Caddo Park home, so you’ll have to be extra careful as you share the water with these large reptiles.