Summer's over. Well, according to the calendar. For North Texans, the end of summer can be bittersweet. On the one hand, the mercury will finally drop to a tolerable level, but it also means no more days spent by the pool, margaritas in hand. There's nothing more exciting as a Texan, though, than spending those magical days at the end of September doing fun summer things that people in cooler climes across the country just can't do.
As Midwesterners and East Coasters break out their jackets and scarves for the advent of autumn, Dallasites should take advantage of summer's last hurrah by spending their time at these ten summery activities and experiences that will expire as soon as fall decides to make her belated appearance in the metroplex.
Waste an afternoon away at F.O.E. Sure, it's crowded with hipsters and their occasionally well behaved offspring, but you have to go to F.O.E. before it is too cold to take a dip in the already-chilly pool. Take a day off from work to take advantage of the ridiculously cheap bar specials, and judge the tattooed crowds behind your sunglasses. Technically, the pool is open year-round, but you probably only have a few more weeks to take advantage of the optimal pool-lounging temperature.
Scope out the new Dallas Farmers Market There has been a lot of talk about what the new Dallas Farmers Market has to offer that its predecessor didn't, but there are some truly meaningful changes. Outside of the addition of tons of new vendors and a variety of products outside of produce being sold, there's also Market After Dark, the weekly event that allows diners to shop during extended evening hours and enjoy selected beer and wine while listening to live music or checking out a chef demonstration.
Take your pups to Mutt's Cantina There aren't too many places where you can watch puppies play and enjoy really well crafted cocktails, but Mutt's in Uptown is one of those spots. The dog park and patio sitting area are comfortable, the snacks and cocktails are great, and you can finish up those pesky work emails while you enjoy the free WiFi. Best of all, you can release all that unbridled energy in your mutts without really even having to pay attention except for when some pearl-clutching lady is freaking out about her dog getting humped.
Hang out at Klyde Warren Park Everyone raves about Dallas' newest open-air hangout space, but Klyde Warren Park is one of those places actually worth the hype. You can bring a picnic blanket full of fancy wine and cheeses to enjoy while you sunbathe or read, and there are always food trucks, fitness camps, and other daily events to entertain you and the family while chilling in the great outdoors. On Thursdays, the park also hosts a live jazz series, scheduled after evening yoga classes that are the perfect way to wind down at the end of a busy week. All, of course, while enjoying one of the best views in downtown Dallas.
Suck it up and go to Six Flags Whatever your feelings on amusement parks, end-of-summer is the best time to go, especially if you decide to call in sick (*cough*) on a weekday. The lines are generally nonexistent, meaning that you'll be able to ride every last rollercoaster until you realize that you're finally getting too old to go on the Mr. Freeze for the tenth time in a row. If you end up there on a particularly warm afternoon, splurge on that Hurricane Harbor ticket to cool off after a day of sweating at Six Flags.
Hike Cedar Ridge Preserve Birdwatching isn't known as one of the most exhilarating activities for people who aren't bird enthusiasts, but it can actually be a relaxing way to spend an afternoon in one of the Metroplex's few preserved forests. Even if the birds aren't your thing, you can still come for yoga classes and live poetry readings to get a little cultural experience in a beautiful setting. There are also volunteer opportunities for do-gooders who would like to get in a few more volunteer hours before fall comes along.
Fish at White Rock Lake Even if you've never cast a line, fishing has this ridiculously relaxing quality, and White Rock Lake is a great spot to catch bass, catfish, and crappie. You'll have to have a fishing license that costs a few bucks and your own tackle box of supplies, but it's otherwise a cheap way to spend the afternoon surrounded by the beauty of the country's largest urban lake.
