Sports & Recreation

Because he plays soccer in Texas, FC Dallas star Jesus Ferreira might be the biggest local sports superstar many in North Texas haven't heard of. But similar to how Luka Doncic, Micah Parsons and Jason Robertson have become A-list names in their sports, the 22-year-old son of former FC Dallas MVP David Ferreira has also risen to the top of his league. After making the U.S. World Cup squad in 2022, Ferreira has continued to score tons of goals for both club and country, and he's making people from around the globe pay attention to Texas soccer in the process.

The producer of a popular YouTube fitness channel (youtube.com/@BullyJuice) that he creates with his family at their home in Dallas, Williams has amassed around 5 million followers on YouTube, along with millions more on Instagram, TikTok, Meta and his own blog. His message is ever-positive: You can get fit. You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment — just a little bit of time, a yoga mat and some commitment.

The yoga mat is optional. The commitment isn’t, but he’ll be there to help, feeling the burn with you, minute by minute.

The Florida native’s journey to influencer stardom began when he served in the U.S. Air Force in 2015. The former collegiate sprinter was already fit, so he naturally fell into the role of physical training leader.

“I had to come up with my own workouts to either get people in shape that failed their PT test or to just keep people in shape,” Williams says.

A fan of American bull terriers, he had dabbled in posting content online featuring his dog Blaze, and when he released some of his workout regimens online, the response was positive. His wife, Brittany, who has her own lifestyle-focused influencer brand LavishlyBritt (youtube.com/@LavishlyBritt), told him he was an inspiring teacher and should develop his fitness content. He did, and then came COVID, bad for health generally, but rocket fuel to a social media influencer focused on stay-at-home fitness.

“Naturally, when the pandemic happened, everybody started working out at home,” Williams says. “… I actually had teachers that would email me, and they were giving students my workouts to keep them active while they were at home.”

A large part of Williams’ appeal is his focus on family, faith and positivity. His brother Jordan shoots the videos, and he includes Brittany and their two children — a third is on the way soon — in many of them. (Sadly, Blaze, died of cancer this year.)

They’re all part of a growing business that today includes an athleisure wear brand, Gymoclock (gymoclockfitness.com).

Beyond the appeal of Williams’ personality and his family, B

Tired of yoga classes with pop music blaring and instructors screaming at you like a Jane Fonda workout video? Us too. Which is why we love low-key yoga spots like Bishop Arts' Le Sol House. It's not your typical studio but more like a community center for artists, entrepreneurs and creatives, offering a variety of wellness classes and social events each month. Vintage furniture in the compound's cafe and meeting rooms give it a cool and curated aesthetic, and the garden with chickens makes it feel more like a home than a business. They call it "part spiritual, part social," and we couldn't agree more.

When you need your daily dose of cuteness, head to the 3-acre dog park at White Rock Lake. It has sections for both large and small pups, so you can mingle with all different sizes of furry friends at this off-leash park. In hotter months, dogs can cool off in the lake, at "dog-wash" stations or in several shaded areas. Other features that make this spot topnotch for canines are the water fountains, dog drinking bowls, pet waste stations and picnic tables. Find this little slice of doggy heaven on the northwest side of White Rock Lake at the intersection of Mockingbird Lane and West Lawther Drive.

The Katy Trail is a green oasis in the heart of Dallas and a perfect spot for runners, cyclists, skaters, fast-walkers and basically anyone up to brace the often packed, often extremely hot path. All Katy Trail devotees know the struggle of embarking on an aerobics journey only to realize they gotta find a bathroom, and quickly. In your darkest moments, the cobwebbed porta potty might look tempting. But push on a little farther and treat yourself to the Starbucks bathroom by the Knox Street entrance. A quick detour off route, clean, and air-conditioned — what more could one need?

With its abundant dogs, the sounds of cars purring along Central Expressway and the sight of the downtown skyline in your peripheral vision, Griggs Park is a great place to enjoy a Dallas weekend. Maybe you're itching to get out your spikeball set, your Frisbee is gathering dust or you want to get out your Rollerblades. (If it is the Rollerblades for you, mind the sharp turns on the downhill of the loop.) There's even a basketball court. It's on the outskirts of Uptown, so visitors can also walk to some food or drinks on McKinney Avenue once their Griggs adventure has concluded.

When Micah Parsons was drafted out of Penn State in 2021, Cowboys fans were more curious about the defensive stud than excited about him. By the end of his rookie season, that had changed, and after his all-pro 2022 campaign, Parsons established himself as the team's best player, regardless of position. After finishing among the league leaders in sacks with 13.5, Parson's was the runner-up for the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award. The only question NFL observers have about Parsons now is just how dominant can he be?

The Stars' exciting 2023 playoff run stopped just short of Stanley Cup glory, but that doesn't mean there wasn't a transcendent, signature moment. After missing several games over 15 days because of a gnarly concussion, Joe Pavelski, one of the oldest players in the NHL, heroically returned to score all four of his team's goals in a gut-ripping 5-4 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken in the playoff's second round. Two of the goals were extra-magical in that they were deflected by Captain America's stick in a precise way few have ever mastered. That he provided the offensive and emotional boost to his team after enjoying one of the best seasons of his Hall of Fame-caliber career is even more impressive.

Although he's not the biggest star or the richest player on the Rangers roster right now, it's not a stretch to think that outfielder Adolis Garcia might just be both of those things soon enough. In only his third full season in the big leagues, the 30-year-old Cuban defector became an all-star for the second time this season while keeping pace with the league leaders in RBIs and home runs. And opposing baserunners beware: Garcia's arm is nothing short of a cannon. If he keeps this up, he may join the elite group of one-name Rangers stars along with Pudge, Nolan and Elvis.

If you don't venture north of LBJ Freeway often, Plano and natural beauty might not seem to go together all that well. Judging from the often crowded parking lot at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, however, more people continue to see the correlation. With over 200 acres in West Plano, the preserve offers surprisingly hilly options for hikers and bikers with paved and off-road trails. The preserve's observation tower affords a gorgeously sweeping panoramic view into the suburban distance.

In a town where pro coaches have multiple World Series rings (Bruce Bochy), a Super Bowl ring (Mike McCarthy) and NBA championship rings (Jason Kidd as a player and assistant coach), it might seem odd to call Stars head coach Pete DeBoer the best in Dallas. But like his more famous local counterparts, this hockey lifer is a winner, and he's been one everywhere he's stood behind the bench, even before taking the Stars from underperforming to being very close to making another trip to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season here.

We know, there isn't really a mountain in North Texas, but there is a good bit of quality mountain biking to do. A rider looking to hit an off-road trail will not go wrong by driving a few miles west, to the midpoint between Dallas and Fort Worth, to shred the singletrack of Northshore Trail. Stretched out along the northern shores of Grapevine Lake, it's more than 20 miles of hills, rocks, climbs, descents and jumps that rival just about any other trail in Texas.

A wilderness ... in Dallas? Yes! Earlier this year Big Cedar made some news when it was announced that it would soon likely become a city park rather than a privately owned green space. With more than 280 acres, the hills, trails and wildlife of this rugged southern Dallas gem has more than enough room for hikers and bikers alike. The highest point of the escarpment is said to be the highest point in all of Dallas, offering phenomenal views that feel more at home in the wild than they do in the urban jungle.

There's perhaps no better pairing than an ice-cold craft beer and a sleek AF bowling alley. Just ask the good folks over at Punch Bowl Social; they would know. This place has got all the makings of a night to remember — or not, depending on how much one has enjoyed oneself. Yes, the bowling lanes are fantastic, but there's also awesome karaoke and arcade and table games to boot. Punch Bowl Social provides Big D with a masterclass in pure unadulterated fun. Sign us up.

Toning up from head to toe is tough, but The PilatesBarre is there to help you actually enjoy getting your sculpt on. This women-owned Pilates studio has knowledgeable instructors and top-of-the-line equipment. Yes, you're most certainly going to be drenched in sweat by the time you're done, but a little cardio never hurt anyone. Classes at The PilatesBarre are 30, 45 or 50 minutes long, so even workaholics can squeeze a complete workout into their busy schedules. Who knew that fitness could be such a blast?

Texas is known for being home to some of the most gung-ho gun-lovers in the country. The Dallas-Fort Worth region in particular boasts several top-notch indoor shooting ranges at 25 and 50 yards, but Texas Gun Experience in Grapevine takes it a step further. This family-run business is owned by military veterans and has served the area for more than 35 years. Beyond its state-of-the-art shooting range, Texas Gun Experience also has a firearm shop and offers gun rentals, including a variety of fully automatic weapons, training sessions and a "try-before-you-buy" option.

It seems that everyone is raving in one way or another about pickleball these days. The burgeoning paddle sport is even championed by athletes like Kevin Durant and LeBron James. So, if you feel the urge to see what all the fuss is about, we suggest you hightail it to Chicken N Pickle. It's all right there in the name: Chicken N Pickle provides excellent courts for playin' and tasty chicken for eatin'. It's fun for the whole family but also great for a friends' day out thanks to the solid selection of beers from local breweries.

Yeah, OK, obviously those who know about this place probably want to gate-keep, but it's not like it's that big of a secret, so calm down. This pretty little trail is a nice break from the Katy Trail, which is always super packed with people who are a little too much in shape. The trestle trail goes from The Cedars to Moore Park, so it is pretty short, but there are really beautiful views of the Trinity River and the surrounding area. Drop your preconceived notions about the Dallas portion of the river ... but do not get in the water. The trail is peaceful, a nice slice of nature in an otherwise desolate industrial area. Chances are you probably don't get over to the area much, so why not try something new?

It starts and ends at what looks like someone's backyard, but in between it explores a verdant terrain of rocky, low-lying hills that includes some of the best hiking in DFW. Tucked along Sharps Branch, a delicate stream fed by nearby Lake Grapevine, the Rocky Point Trail offers more than 4 miles of rarely busy paths snaking under canopies of dense forest with plenty of shade. Do yourself a favor and check it out in spring, when it's flush with vibrant flowers, scurrying wildlife and symphonies of birds providing a soundtrack of your progress. Just be sure to download a trail map beforehand and leave the bluetooth speaker at home.

Batters are always up at D-Bat East Dallas. At D-Bat facilities across Dallas-Fort Worth, you can choose to be the batter or the catcher. The machines at D-Bat can hurl balls at you from a speed of 40–70 miles per hour. The place can even set you up with one of its many coaches to help you fine-tune your form. It's the perfect spot for individuals or groups looking for a little physical fun. Cages can be booked in half-hour increments, and they all come with baseballs, softballs, and L-Screen and a batting tee.

At any of Zero Latency's locations across DFW, you can find some of the greatest free-roam virtual reality experiences. Take on Vaas and his men from Ubisoft's Far Cry 3 in Far Cry VR Dive Into Insanity, go on a sci-fi adventure called Singularity, kill zombies in Undead Arena and do lots more at Zero Latency. You can bring up to eight friends for a 30-minute session that will leave you craving more. Zero Latency offers something first-timers and experienced VR gamers can both enjoy.

Mike Sirois departed his position as a midday producer for 1310 The Ticket in June 2022. Through his many years at the sports talk giant, he played the role of a much bigger personality than that of a behind-the-mic knob-turner. His combo of stoner humor and emotional honesty resonated with listeners who wanted more. As a member of 97.1 The Freak's The Downbeat since its inception last October, Sirois has indeed given more. He's found his groove as a marquee voice among a collection of some of Dallas' best-known radio names including Mike Rhyner and Jeff "Skin" Wade. Anything goes, as Sirois engages humorously and sarcastically on a station that goes far beyond sports.

Dallas has long been home to one of the most prolific and flexible sports television play-by-play announcers in the country. Many are familiar with the deep-voiced Mark Followill for his always stellar performance on Dallas Mavericks broadcasts, but now soccer fans across the U.S. and beyond can hear the former FC Dallas broadcaster weekly as one of the featured play-by-play voices for Apple TV's inaugural season as exclusive rightsholder for Major League Soccer matches. The man who has called many nationally televised college football games and even World Cup soccer matches has teamed up with a different, unfamiliar TV partner each week this season and has still made it sound way too easy.

When popular 1310 The Ticket personalities Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp resigned in July, it seemed as though it would be a while before we heard from the hosts of The Hang Zone again. But less than a week later the duo released the first episode of their new podcast, The Dumb Zone. The Ticket's parent company quickly requested the show to cease and desist, and when the show kept cranking out episodes on its Patreon page, the company sued McDowell and Kemp for violating the non-compete clause in their contracts. As July rolled into August, more legal developments continued and the pair kept discussing them on new episodes and in media interviews. Passionate listeners devoured every juicy detail made publicly available in court filings. Good thing they made a lot of money through subscribers. Attorneys aren't cheap.

If you've never visited the T. Boone Pickens YMCA downtown, you may think this is a sentimental pick. The building is likely to become something other than a gym in the near future thanks to a $12 million sale. But those who've used their lunch breaks to play a game of pickup basketball or have skipped happy hour to do a few extra reps in the expansive weight room there know this spot has it all. For decades, having a convenient gym did not require sacrificing quality of selection when it came to fitness classes, swimming, weights, racquetball and so much more offered by the Y on Akard Street. Should the downtown location eventually be no more, Dallas will be one of the very few major American cities without a downtown YMCA gym, and that's not a good look.

Is it really true, as Christopher Cross sang, that "if the wind is right you can sail away / And find serenity"? We're asking for ... um ... a friend, see? Yeah, this friend went sailing on the Pacific one time and didn't find serenity. He found out that projectile vomiting is a real thing. But we must admit, a recent recommendation to try out Sail With Scott on Lake Ray Hubbard looks tempting enough to risk a little motion sickness. The company offers group and private trips aboard Seawolf, a 40-foot-long by 25-foot-wide sailing catamaran, hand-built from beautiful Spanish cedar by founder Scott Self and a team of workers over a two-year period. Self captained the boat on cruises from 2008 until his death from cancer in 2020. His family continues the operation, setting sail from the Harbor in Rockwall. Seawolf seats up to 49 on its open deck, and it offers sunset, starlight and daytime cruises of one hour to 90 minutes. The Seawolf is also available to book for private charters.

At the rate the climate is changing, it may be that one day people in Dallas will walk out their front doors into a tropical rainforest filled with glimmering, colorful butterflies and moths in their native habitat. But why wait five years? The two-story Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium at Texas Discovery Gardens offers a climate-controlled environment chock full of dozens of species of moths and butterflies, tropical plants and a special emergence chamber where the lucky can see butterflies emerge from their cocoon. The chance to see a glowing emerald work of magic like the African moon moth or an aptly named piano key postman butterfly with the key-like markings on its wings is well worth the modest price of admission ($12 for adults, $6 for kids and $10 for seniors). So, go appreciate these exotic beauties now, before the environment changes and you find yourself chasing them away from your tomato plants in the near future.

If we were being honest, the correct answer right now would be "indoors on a treadmill in a meat locker at night," but those are hard to come by. Besides, the serious runners of Dallas are a devoted enough bunch that they aren't going to let a little thing like imminent death from Satan's blast furnace stop them from gearing up for a jog outdoors. They want a view, too, and the 4.6-mile Trinity Skyline Trail has one of the best views of downtown. There's not a ton of shade, but the trail runs alongside both sides of the river and offers access to Trammell Crow Park, Continental Avenue Bridge and West Dallas Gateway and the Trinity Overlook. Dallas' trail system is ever-expanding and plans are to connect to the Trinity Strand Trail, which itself will eventually link a network of 73 miles of trails.

What does one want from a recreational softball league? Well, access to beer is always a plus. Not having to play with any douchebag who thinks it proper to yell at an umpire at a freakin' softball game is also desirable. Generally, the goal is fun, friendliness and good sportsmanship without too much stress. That being the case, it's hard to top a league whose mission statement says the league is "dedicated to the promotion of quality amateur softball of all levels of play for persons of any race, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or national origin, without prejudice." The league emphasizes drawing players from the LGBTQ+ community, but welcomes everybody with a firm rule against mean, intolerant people. Teams are organized by skill level and include drafts of free agents to bring new faces to the teams. Everyone is expected to field and bat, and the fee for a season of 10–12 games — mostly held at McInnish Sports Complex in Carrollton — is just $70 per player. The end of August was the deadline to sign up for the upcoming fall season, but the league offers a spring season, tournament play and events throughout the year, including fundraisers to help send local teams to the Gay Softball World Series.

Golfers have golf shops. Ditto for tennis players, cyclists and runners. Gun fans have stores catering to their needs on every other block in Texas. But sometimes bigger is just better, and sporting goods stores don't get much bigger than Cabela's. Inside the walls of these massive stores is a one-stop wonderland for all your outdoor sporting needs. You can buy the state license to shoot or hook the animal of your choice, plus acquire the gun and ammo, rod and reel, blind or boat and whatever other gear needed to clean and cook your catch along with a nice tent and sleeping bag to relax after your grand day outdoors. If team sports with balls are more your thing, you have plenty of options. But if you're ready to get back into the great outdoors now that the blast furnace of summer is finally loosening its grip, Cabela's has the clothing, power tools and countless other accessories perfect for when you're ready to venture away from your A.C.