EAST

[INSERT YOUR NAME HERE]’S DAY OFF DAY

Travel 10-20 minutes east of our neighborhood, give or take, to the Garland area, for a day of out and indoor adventure, and tantalizing tourism with splashes of refreshment along the way.

AS SUNLIGHT PEEKS THROUGH your bedroom blinds, you hear the TV weatherman report it’s going to be clear and hot today — but not 105 hot. More like 90 hot. Not too bad! You guzzle your coffee and think, “I am ready to take on the world! I am going to get so much work done today!” But then you remember you have the day off. Even better. Today, you are going to make Ferris Bueller look like a hack. Is your stomach growling or should you knock out your al fresco exercise before the mercury rises?

I AM FAMISHED. GO TO #1.

LET’S START WITH A SCENIC HIKE. GO TO #2.

Two

ONEHead east of Lake Highlands to downtown Garland, where at the corner of Main and 9th you find Hubbard’s Cubbard, a country diner that serves up gargantuan gravy-drenched biscuits. You opt for a pancake sampler. The breakfast menu, with its dense starches, fluffy eggs, crispy bacon and endless stream of stout coffee has drawn diners from far and near for more than 35 years. Now, are you ready to work off some of those calories, or do you need some quiet, indoor time to digest?

LET’S GET PHYSICAL! GO TO #2.

I COULD WALK, BUT PREFER TO DO SO INDOORS. GO TO #5

Head just a few miles east/northeast of our neighborhood and downtown Garland to the Rowlett Creek Preserve, at 2525 Castle near Centerville. This wooded single-track trail system offers more than 16 miles

Three

You swing into TC Shaved Ice for the smoothest, sweetest, snowiest cones around. You are familiar with the White Rock Lake area location and are happy to learn there is one perfectly situated on today’s route, at 503 S. Garland, across the street from Garland High School. The only inconvenience is the mind-blowing plethora of flavors — do you order the bubble gum, amaretto or wedding cake? Or something more traditional, like pina colada or peach? Heck, you are feeling adventurous make it a Tiger’s Blood and Tutti-Fruiti knockout (that is, shaved ice with creamy vanilla ice cream on top and bottom). Now let’s take advantage of that sugar rush — you have energy to burn. Up for some low-impact exercise, want to geek out at a hat-making factory, or would you like some adrenaline with that energy blitz?

of path-pounding options for adventurers on foot or bike, plus scenic picnic areas and open greenbelt spaces. Before heading in, you check the Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association’s trail guidelines, posted near the trailhead. This helps you determine the proper trail flat or bumpy, longdistance or short loop for your skill level and intentions. This trail has something for everyone. Bet you are hot and thirsty now, huh?

YES — BRING ON ICY COLD REFRESHMENT. GO TO #3

YES — BUT I COULD USE SOMETHING WITH A LITTLE PUNCH. GO TO #4

Four

White Rock area resident Wim Bens founded Lakewood Brewing years before he finally, recently opened the Lakewood Brewing Company taproom, which happens to be located smack dab in the middle of your Garland daycation, at 2302 Executive, near Jupiter and Miller.

“It’s fate,” you think, as you hunker down with an award-winning lager such as Temptress or the American style wheat beer Rock Ryder. If your tummy is rumbling, one of the food trucks frequently parked outside the venue shuts it up in no time. You check out the merchandise booth where you pick up a cool LBC trucker hat and a keychain that opens bottles, and spot a sign promoting taproom tours. You like tours, so you have a look around. At this point, you are totally chill. Do you want to stay that way?

SURE, GOT ANY MORE TOURS? GO TO #5.

mind, if nothing else). Garland, in many ways, is that Texas of the movies — the one in which characters don steel-toed boots, bulky silver belt buckles and 10-gallon hats. Fully embracing your day as a tourist in your own backyard, you partake in this truly Texan excursion — a tour of the Resistol and Stetson factory, the largest man-

A RELAXED GAME OF GOLF SOUNDS NICE. GO TO #7.

I’D LIKE TO TOUR THE COUNTRY’S BIGGEST HAT-MAKING FACTORY. GO TO #5.

I AM READY FOR SOME HEART-PUMPING ACTION — BRING ON THE WATER SLIDES! GO TO #9.

MY HEART WANTS TO PUMP, BUT I FORGOT MY BATHING SUIT. GO TO #6.

Five

Garland — it’s so close, yet it sometimes feels like a different state (of ufacturer of hats in the country, at 721 Marion near Forest and Garland. You might not own a cowboy hat, but you still find the process of making one fascinating — collecting and felting the fur of beavers, rabbits and minks; pressure rolling; dyeing and customizing and are surprised at the number of craftsmen and women who touch one hat from start to finish. You are so impressed that you visit the Resistol Outlet Store, which flanks the factory. Now hang on to that new cowboy hat, because it’s time for some real action and adventure. The only question is, can you handle heights? a knowledgeable, dedicated real estate team, with longevity in our community and a true commitment to serving the wonderful people in it. • LOYALTY • LONGEVITY • • COMMITMENT • REALTORS TOP 25

I GET A KICK OUT OF HIGH PLACES, WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN MIND? GO TO #6.

I AM A BIT OF A DAREDEVIL, WITHIN LIMITS. GO TO #9.

I PREFER TO STAY GROUNDED. GO TO #7.

Six

A Lake Highlands couple was following their passion when they opened Sky Helicopters in the early ’90s, and you are psyched that they did, because now you are reaping the benefits. Connie and Ken Pyatt operate the heliport, at 2559 S. Jupiter. A large portion of their business comes from photographing news footage for local broadcasts, but that, while a groovy side note, does not concern you today. The skyline tour — which flies passengers over landmarks including White Rock Lake, Downtown Dallas, Cowboys stadium and the Rangers’ ballpark — is a little out of your price range at $375 for a half hour (you’ll come back in the winter for the holiday lights tour, you promise yourself), but the flight simulator lesson/ flight combo is right up your alley. For $159, you receive 30 minutes of instruction followed by 30 minutes in-the-air practice in a controlled environment. You believed you could fly, and now you have. This is the best day ever. Are you hungry or too hyped for food?

STARVING. GO TO #8.

I SPOTTED SOME INTENSE-LOOKING WATERSLIDES FROM THE AIR, AND I AM INTERESTED. GO TO #9.

Seven

While you are no Jordon Spieth, you can hold your own on the green. Heck, even a novice or new student of the game can have a blast at the Firewheel Golf Park, which is where you find yourself on this summer day (fortunately, you called ahead to book your tee time: 972.205.2795). The park includes three regulation courses; Avid Golfer magazine rated one of them number two among highly competitive “midpriced courses ($50-$59)” class. Green and cart fees are even lower after 1 p.m. If you worked up an appetite on the course, stop by the Branding Iron Restaurant and Patio, a full service eatery overlooking the rolling topography. If you’d rather ditch the fancy and get down and dirty with some barbecue, that’s also an option.

BARBECUE SOUNDS GOOD. GO TO #8.

I’M NOT HUNGRY, BUT I AM ALSO NOT READY TO CALL IT A DAY. GO TO #10.

Eight

No Texas daycation is complete without some real barbecue on your plate. You happen upon Meshack’s Bar-B-Que, at 240 E. Avenue B, and you just aren’t sure — “This place is a shack,” you think. You observe the weeds overtaking the parking lot, the few stumps ostensibly for sitting, the rudimentary pictures of meats and sandwiches and almost bolt, but something stops you in your tracks — the aroma of pecan smoke. As you eat your ribs — dark, tangy sauce

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Smart Lipo Cellulaze adhering to your fingers and the corners of your mouth — you realize that it is all about the meat and nothing else matters. You are utterly satiated, but there is still fun to be had. You could do something active, adventurous — a thing that also will wash away all traces of barbecue sauce on your body — or you could sit in a cool, dark room and watch someone else’s adventures.

IF YOU MEAN A WATERPARK, BRING IT ON. GO TO #9.

I’M ALL FOR ACTION, AS LONG AS I DON’T HAVE TO DO THE ACTING. GO TO #10.

Nine

Inside Hawaiian Falls, you enjoy water-soaked adventures — streak down towering slides with names like The Torpedo, shoot along winding tunnels, pseudo surf the Hawaiian Halfpipe, swim among the waves and splash your way around gushing play areas (with or without your kiddos). Or just soak up some rays on Breaker Beach or relax on a float as you attempt to drown-out the noise of the ecstatic children who surround you. An adult ticket costs $23. (Kids and seniors are $16). What a deal! By now you are likely pretty pooped, right?

YES, I THINK I AM SNORES. [END]

I COULD WATCH SOMEBODY ELSE DO SOMETHING. GO TO #10.

Do you feel pretty? You sure do after your night at the Garland Summer Musicals inside the fabulous Patty Granville Arts Center at 300 N. 5th in Downtown Garland. It’s June, which means West Side Story runs the 12th-24th of the month. (Secure tickets in advance by calling 972.205.2790). Rumbles, romance and regret softened with singing and choreographed dance numbers — what a way to polish off a great day! [END]

In Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center

This big cat sanctuary, while outside the 10-20 minute daycation parameters, is worth a trip in its own right. Located at 3430 Skyview, in Wylie, just east of Garland, In Sync is home to tigers, lions, cheetahs, cougars, bobcats, ocelots and one coati (an “honorary cat”) in need of rescue and veterinary care. In Sync doesn’t buy, sell or breed animals. They do offer educational tours of the facility and allow self-guided tours daily from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, give them a roar at 972.442.6888.

MY BIG FAT FAR NORTH DALLAS ADVENTURE:

Food, flight, culture, comedy — it all awaits you, just few miles north.

IF YOUR KIDS ATTEND Richardson ISD schools, you might frequently find yourself driving north for ball games and choir concerts. But today is special, because you realize there is actual fun to be had in this oft-forgotten land. This day promises weird and wonderful experiences, so with which do you want to begin — the weird or the wonderful?

LET’S EASE INTO THIS WITH THE WONDERFUL. GO TO #1

I EAT WEIRD FOR BREAKFAST. GO TO #2

ONEHead north on I-635 and take Hillcrest to an artistic oasis, hidden away from the busy intersections. The intimate Valley House Gallery at 6616 Spring Valley showcases regionally and internationally recognized artists in various mediums. You find your moment of Zen in the outdoor sculpture garden lush with plant life, canopy trees and a tranquil pond. You’ll forget you’re in Dallas at all. Now, are you hungry for action or for food?

BRING ON THE ACTION. GO TO #2

I CRAVE ADVENTURE, THE EDIBLE KIND. GO TO #3

City View Antiques

Quality antiques like the 19th century Wedgewood Pitcher, early 1900’s cast iron Pub Table, and a garden Heron. New “old” merchandise arriving daily. 6830 Walling Lane (Skillman/Abrams) 214.824.4136 cityviewantiques.homestead.com

The Store In Lake Highlands

RETRO51 pens come in classic laquer, acrylic, bamboo, vintage metalsmith, and more. Choose pens, pencils and stylus for all your writing and gifts needs. Refills available, too! 10233 E NW Hwy @ Ferndale (next to Gecko) 214.553.8850 Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 TheStoreinLH.com

214.560.4203

Visit us today for North Texas’ best tropicals, annuals, perennials and more. Step in the store for fun gifts and beautiful home accessories. Also, ask us how we can design a water-wise landscape for you.

Two

You played the video game Room Escape back in the day, regularly putting your investigative and problemsolving skills to the test — and dominating! So you are over the moon to learn that this is a real-life thing. You arrive at Escape Expert The Experience, located in an industrial park at 13663 Floyd Circle, where you immerse yourself in scenarios such as Attic Panic, Secret Vault or the uber-challenging Mind Matrix. The goal once inside the room is to escape by finding and using clues, thinking creatively and responding quickly to stressors. While it is popular for parties and corporate circles, you find Escape Expert, at $28 per person, to be a groundbreaking mind-and-soul-sharpening exercise — other individuals and couples, those fortunate enough to know this place exists, agree. That got the tummy growling, but is your stomach as adventurous as your spirit?

YES, LET’S TRY OUT SOME HOLE-INTHE-WALL ETHNIC EATERIES. GO TO #3.

NOT EXACTLY, MINE IS A MEAT AND POTATOES KIND-A BELLY. GO TO #4.

Three

More choices! The sharable Mediterranean dishes at Pera Wine and Tapas at 6006 Belt Line; those heaping mounds of densely flavorful dumplings and pad Thai at charmingly rustic Thai Soon at 101 S. Coit; or the upscale Indian fare at Mughlai Restaurant at 5301 Alpha — you finally settle on one, and make a mental note to come back for more. Now, when you take a vacation, you always bring home souvenirs. A daycation should be no different. Do you like your shopping high end or chicly shabby?

UPSCALE, BABY. GO TO #5.

KEEP TODAY FUNKY. GO TO #6.

Four

Neighboring Addison offers a dining Mecca full of coma-inducing comfort food. Do you order the adult mac ‘n’ cheese at Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill at 5000 Belt Line? Try the famous chicken and waffles at Buttons Restaurant at 15207 Addison? Or some New England clam chowder and Maine lobster at Lefty’s at 4021 Belt Line? You pick one and waddle, dazed and satiated, back into the blinding sunlight. You decide to walk it off. But indoors, of course. You have two choices. Both are malls. Both are old, but loved. Both offer fun attractions for kids. Do you prefer a more traditional mall experience or one that is a little rougher around the edges but loved by local artists?

THE ALL-AMERICAN MALL. GO TO #5.

OK, YOU HAVE MY ATTENTION. THE ARTSY ONE IT IS. GO TO #6.

Five

At the Galleria, off I-635 at Dallas Pkwy., you find four levels of shopping staples such as Nordstrom and Belk plus tourist favorites including Field of Dreams baseball memorabilia shop — dining and entertainment. The ground floor is dedicated to ice skating and eating slip, slide, spin and work up an appetite for Tex-Mex at Mi Cocina You score major points with your daughter when you take her for afternoon tea at the American Girl Bistro, where dolls are treated like kids, and where they provide dolls if you happen to have left yours at home. It is not at all creepy! Are you up for more shopping?

SURE! GO TO #6.

NO, I’M UP FOR SOME DOWN TIME A RELAXING PLACE WITH SOME FOOD, PERHAPS. GO TO #7.

NO, I’M UP FOR SOME UP TIME! GO TO #9.

Six

The once declining Valley View Center is making its comeback even before the $3 billion redevelopment turns it into Dallas

Midtown. Scores of local artists have moved in to create the Gallery at Midtown, hosting free art walks

6-10 p.m. every third Saturday of the month. You chill out while the little ones wear themselves out on the ground floor bounce house, then maybe you catch a movie at AMC Theater Your next move will rely on your level of energy, enthusiasm, bravery and expendable income.

I AM FIRED-UP, DARING AND RICH. GO TO #9.

I’M FUN, BUT ON A BUDGET. GO TO #8.

I’VE HAD ENOUGH FOR ONE DAY. LET’S WIND DOWN. GO TO #7.

Seven

You cozy up with a bottle of wine and a cheese plate at Mercy Wine Bar at 5100 Belt Line. The warm, low-lit atmosphere and live jazz music help you

Nine

wind down after your exhausting journey to the center of the mall. Are you done?

I’M DONE. [END]

I FOUND A SECOND WIND. GO TO #8.

Eight

Stand-up comedy, can be awkward — it’s hit or miss, but that’s part of its appeal. Addison Improv hosts famous and unknown comedians. It’s June 18-20, so you see John Witherspoon, who has starred in movies including Friday, Next Friday, and Friday After Next as well as alongside the Wayans brothers in sitcoms. You arrive early for dinner before the show — the menu has a little something for everyone, from steak to fried catfish. You make a mental note to bring the kiddos back to the Sunday afternoon all-ages comedy and magic show. As the comics say, “Good night, [Far North] Dallas!” [Drops mic.]

[END]