EAST

of the labels are in Korean. Most people go for the food court where you can score a tasty lunch on the cheap with huge portions. A few options include spicy pork with steamed rice, short ribs, chicken soup and mixed vegetables. The same shopping center also houses a bookstore, clothing boutiques and a great bakery. Would you like to go to there?

YES, LET’S HAVE DESSERT! GO TO #4

NO, I’M FINISHED EATING AND TIRED OF RUNNING AROUND. GO TO #9.

Eight

Korean barbecue it is! Seoul Garden, 2502 Royal, is one of the best, operating under the same ownership since 1995. Call ahead for a barbecue table where meats are cooked right in front of you. Orders include banchans, which are small plates of vegetables, soup and other side items that allow you to taste a variety of Korean fare. Are you in the mood for some dessert?

YES, PLEASE! GO TO #4.

Nine

Imagine a place where you could don comfy pajamas and lounge around all day on no particular schedule. You could soak in a hot bath, relax in an array of special healing rooms, watch a movie in a cozy recliner, or just fall asleep. That place exists, and it’s called King Spa & Sauna, 2154 Royal. The admission fee grants 24-hour access to everything (except services, such as massages and scrubs, which are extra). There’s also a restaurant inside if you get hungry. You won’t want to leave, so you’ve reached the end of a successful day trip.

The Great Outdoors

You don’t have to leave the city to get close to nature. White Rock Lake, known as the “jewel” of the Dallas park system, is right in our backyard, spanning more than 1,000 acres. The lake has something for everyone from weekend warriors to leisure seekers.

NO, I’VE HAD ENOUGH. GO TO #5. ONE

TWOSo, you’re in peak physical condition? Great. The White Rock Creek Trail passes right through our neighborhood. Leave the car at Anderson Bonner Park off Park Central and LBJ Freeway. Or drive east to Hamilton Park and start at the Cottonwood esplanade, which intersects with the trail. Ride for several miles through the gorgeous White Rock Greenbelt until you approach Northwest Highway. Working up an appetite?

YES. GO TO #4

NAH, LET’S KEEP TRUCKIN’. GO TO #5.

Three

Not a long-distance cyclist? Bring your bike along for shorter excursions or explore the lake on foot. Drive east on Northwest Highway. Choose an activity:

LUNCH! GO TO #4.

WATER SPORTS. GO TO #5.

Four

Stop for a bite at Lake House Bar & Grill (7510 E. Northwest Hwy.), located just off the White Rock Creek Trail. Order from a menu of feel-good comfort food such as the shrimp and crab martini, an array of flatbreads or the “kitchen sink” burger. (Know before you go: They’re open for lunch only on the weekends.) Linger on the spacious patio and get ready to explore our destination. Now choose the option that applies to you:

CYCLIST? HOP BACK ON THE WHITE ROCK CREEK TRAIL. GO TO #5

MOTORIST? LOAD YOUR LAZY BUTT BACK INTO THE CAR. GO TO #7.

Five

Follow the White Rock Creek Trail to the White Rock Lake Trail, across the Mockingbird Bridge (If you came by car, park at the White Rock Lake Dog Park, 8000 E. Mockingbird). It’s time to get on the water. Rent a single or tandem kayak from White Rock Paddle Co at 315 E. Lawther.

The company also offers canoes if that’s more your style. Afterward, relax and take in the view from Boy Scout Hill Do you need to peddle home before dusk?

YES, I’M ON A TIME CRUNCH. GO TO #6.

NO, I’M DRIVING, OR FRIENDS ARE PICKING ME UP ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE LAKE. GO TO #7.

Six

Continue riding in the same direction along the east side of the lake until you’ve made it all the way around, about nine miles. (Linger at Winfrey Point and T.P. Hill for the best lakeside views). Hook back up with the White Rock Creek Trail and finish the scenic journey back home. [END]

Seven

It’s time to get out into nature. Which type of experience do you prefer?

PICTURE-PERFECT, MANICURED GARDENS. GO TO #8.

RUGGED, OFF-THE-GRID TRAILS. GO TO #9.

Eight

You could kill the rest of the day strolling the Dallas Arboretum One point of interest is The Lay Family Garden, which recently reopened after a yearlong renovation. It features perennials and woody plants, a large koi pond, and limestone walls with cascading waterfalls. The day is winding down — how would you like to relax?

IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED THEATER. GO TO #10.

OUTSIDE, WATCHING THE SUNSET. GO TO #11.

Nine

Go deep into nature at the White Rock Lake fish hatchery Drive to the south end of the lake and park at the lot near Winsted and Garland Road. Get out and hike along White Rock Creek Trail until you see unpaved paths. Go down them and explore the wooded trails. Be prepared to crawl under brush or over tree limbs. Dusk is coming — how would you like to spend the evening?

IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED THEATER. GO TO #10.

OUTSIDE, WATCHING THE SUNSET. GO TO #11.

Ten

Visit the Bath House Cultural Center (521 E. Lawther), which features Anna Palmer’s photography exhibition, “Wild & Peaceful: Life at White Rock Lake.” Catch an evening performance of Echo Theatre’s production, “Precious Little,” a play that explores language and what makes us heard. [END]

Eleven

Finish the day at one of the most iconic spots at White Rock Lake: Winfrey Point It’s the perfect place to reflect on the day as the sun dips below the horizon. [END]