Theressa Velázquez
Audio By Carbonatix
There’s a thrill that comes with discovering your new favorite spot in the city, whether it’s a restaurant, an underground art space or an unsung program. But with that thrill comes a quandary: to share or not to share? Sometimes, the first instinct is to sing the praises of your newfound discovery, invite your friends and spread the word to as many people as you can. At other times, the mere thought of people entering your newly sacred space means the loss of its appeal. Often, we’ll recommend our third or fourth favorite things to do, but keep our true favorites to ourselves. Today, we’re offering you, the reader, and anyone you love an invitation into the spaces we’ve kept private for far too long. This is the gatekeeper’s guide to Dallas.
Khroma Coffee
Even the very best speakeasies are so contrived. A place that’s hidden just to be found. A password created to be given out. To us, Khroma Coffee is more of the essence of a true speakeasy, which is to say a small hidden coffee bar inside of a photography studio, where you’re almost guaranteed to be sipping lattes with the next generation of great Dallas artists. Sure, there’s no password to get in or secret passageway to follow, but taking a seat inside Khroma Coffee means that you’re not just in the know, but in with the scene too. 3401 Main St., Dallas
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Rudra Center
If you’re seeking the sensation of being understood in an environment that only you and a few others access, the Rudra Center in Denton might be for you. It’s a temple-like structure surrounded by a beautiful natural area. Just a stone’s throw away from the popular downtown square, a step inside the courtyard of the Rudra Center feels like entering a temple in a faraway land, definitely not Denton. It’s quiet and serene, with beautiful architecture, plants and plenty of seating areas for escape from the outside world. You might have a few on-site yoga teachers approach you, but keep up a smile, and you’ll be just fine. 611 N. Locust St., Denton
Area 276 in Royse City
Do you believe in aliens? If you do, and if you think the aliens in question know a thing or two about Earth, it’s hard to believe that they’d choose to land in Royse City of all places. But a small orange “UFO” lives in the woods in “Area 276” just off the highway, ripe for photo-ops or as the destination in a sort of East Texas treasure hunt. If you arrive at the right time, the city occasionally hosts free space-themed movie nights near the UFO, featuring food trucks on site. 9573 Highway 276, Royse City
The “spaceship” in Royse City is actually one of the few remaining plastic Futuro houses designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, like this one in Espoo Museum of Modern Art in Finland.
Suzi Media/Adobe Stock
Meadows Museum
In a world where art museums require an entire day to see everything, a relatively small collection like that at the Meadows Museum is a treat. Located on SMU’s campus, the two-story building houses a fantastic selection primarily from the collection of founder Algur H. Meadows, as well as a rotating exhibition of new works. It’s always great, but here’s our little secret. Tickets are $12 for adults every day, but on Thursdays after 5 p.m., the museum becomes free for anyone and remains open until 9 p.m. 5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas
Simon Pruitt
Mini-art gallery in Lake Highlands
Inspired by the “take one and leave one” little libraries installed in some suburban yards, Lake Highlands couple Jim and Selena Dixon created their strand of the miniature finer things, transforming it into a tiny art gallery. It’s more than just a cute neighborhood gimmick. Selena takes pride in alternating out the gallery’s artworks, rotating between her own work and a selection of local artists. Being outside, it’s open 24/7 with free admission. 108 Classen Drive, Dallas
Deep Ellum Community Center
The Deep Ellum Community Center is actually a place we wish more people knew about. Presented by the Deep Ellum Foundation, the Elm Street outpost features a free-to-use studio and event space, as well as a small boutique offering hyperlocal art and music for sale. We don’t want this to turn into a free-for-all, but in a literal sense, that’s exactly what it is, and it’s sorely underused, especially in a city where paid “co-working spaces” or podcast studio time is so popular. 2528 Elm St. A, Dallas
Photo by Andrew Sherman.
Tickets at Rangers games
Don’t listen to the haters. Pitch clock? Indoor ballparks? Driving to Arlington? It doesn’t matter. Going to a Rangers game is an absolute blast, but it’s even sweeter if you know your way around Globe Life Field a bit. Don’t go around ruining the secret, but Rangers games never sell out, and the staff members tasked with securing the aisles between seats rarely ever check your ticket. You catching the drift? Buy the cheapest seat you can find online and don’t even bother going up three flights of stairs to get to it. Just get in, get something to eat, and watch the game from a perfect view, either from the countertops around the edges of the whole stadium or by sneaking down a few rows. 734 Stadium Drive, Arlington
