Sweltering temperatures and rising gas prices can put the damper on summer fun, but Dallas dwellers have some entertaining options hiding in plain view. Check out these summer hot spots for a unique experience.
Technique
11830 Webb Chapel Road
Dallas, Texas 75234
214-647-8500
Summer heat waves are enough to make home cooks run away from the kitchen and avoid firing up the grill. Enjoy a meal at Technique to keep your cool without breaking the budget.
The name may sound like one of those pricey restaurants with a deceptively unpretentious name, but Technique is actually the teaching restaurant for Le Cordon Bleu. It does not deliver the conventional restaurant experience, offering limited lunch and dinner seatings.
The affordable prices and opportunity to support future chefs make it well worth a visit. A three-course lunch is $10. Dinner is $12 for three courses or $15 for five courses. Visit the Technique website for additional information and pictures of the menu offerings.
NorthPark Center
8687 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, Texas 75225
214-363-7441
With window shopping, art exhibits, and a children's library, NorthPark is a cool and comfortable summer destination for kids and adults alike. Enjoy the lush park outside, knowing refreshing air conditioning awaits you.
This shopping mall has the standard features, including a theater, and the dining choices include fast food options, kid-friendly foods, and full-service restaurants.
Check the special events because the Dallas Public Library regularly provides free entertainment for kids. NorthPark is also a hot spot for autograph sessions and celebrity appearances. Dallas Mavericks point guard J.J. Barea held an autograph session after the championship win. Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Finn McMissile from "Cars 2" recently spent the day at NorthPark.
Texas Theatre
231 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75208
214-948-1546
Perhaps best known as the place of Lee Harvey Oswald's arrest following the Kennedy assassination, Texas Theatre is once again open for business. The historic site is taking an unconventional approach, showcasing musicians, documentaries, independent films, and cult classics such as "Night of the Comet."
Oliver Stone had the exterior remodeled for his film "JFK." The building now includes a new bar, but retains its vintage charm.
The Dallas Zoo
650 South RL Thornton
Dallas, Texas 75203
469-554-7500
As a local, you have probably been to the Dallas Zoo at some point, but it is worth another look this summer. The zoo continues to introduce new programs such as the bird show, "Soar," and special events.
Photo Day on July 23 includes a continental breakfast, early admission, and tips from the staff photographer. This session focuses on the "Giants of the Savanna" exhibit. The 7 a.m. admission is a great way to enjoy the zoo during the cooler part of the day. Contact the zoo at 469-554-7423 for pricing and reservation info for Photo Day.
Dallas City Hall's Living Plaza
Dallas is trying to utilize the plaza by periodically bringing in seating, food, and entertainment. It is hot outside, but the fickle summer weather sometimes gives a surprisingly breezy respite from high humidity. Pack a picnic, bring some take-out, or dine on food from one the food trucks or vendors on site. Dallas' food trucks are somewhat elusive, but this is easy way pinpoint their location without scouring social media sites for last-minute directions.
Living Plaza takes place on the second Wednesday of the month. Try it now because there is no telling how long this experiment will last or how it will evolve. Check the Dallas City Hall Facebook page for event times and dates.
A lifelong resident of Dallas, Drew Taylor enjoys writing about life in Big D and explores local happenings and attractions.
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