Things to Do in Dallas Newsletter 6/20-26
I just posted this week's Things to Do list on the Dallas subreddit. Some followers expressed interest in a newsletter, so here's some commentary to go along with this week's list.
It's dang hot outside and if you're looking for ways to cool off, you might be looking for swimming pools. City pools are great, and I've been meaning to visit the Heritage Aquatic Center in Irving. It's free for people over 50 (and that's me!) Haven't made it yet, but might make it out to the apartment complex pool once or twice this week.
If you're looking for places to swim, your options aren't limited to your gym or public swimming pools. You'll find more than a handful of hotel pool swimming parties on this week's list for Sunday. You can find more on several other days this week and all summer on Eventbrite, which curates a list of pool parties in the Dallas area.
You can also find hotel pools that let you pay to be a guest for the day on ResortPass.com. The pool at the Hilton Dallas Rockwall is a lakefront pool with gorgeous views and day passes start at $30 a day. The Hilton Anatole looks to be the priciest option, starting at $55 a day, but their "pool" is a whole waterpark, Jade Waters. Just know you'll need to figure in extra expenses for parking and food and drinks.
While making the list this week, I discovered that Friday is National Food Truck Day. That worked out well because food trucks have been on my mind since I got back from a work trip to Austin. Y'all know I'm a fan of loving where you live and I never want to badmouth Dallas, but DAMN, the food truck scene in Austin puts Dallas to shame (and back again.) There are food trucks and food truck parks EVERYWHERE.
In April, the Dallas City Council FINALLY eased up on some food truck and trailer regulations in Dallas proper, so hopefully things will be looking better soon. But we need to get a move on.
One way I think you can help is to attend the MLK Food Park at Fair Park, scheduled for this Sunday and three Sundays in July. Yes, it's hot out, but your support for this venture will help in multiple ways. First it shows support for the food truck business and second, it helps the neighborhood of Fair Park and South Dallas. Third, you'll be supporting LOCAL businesses and I know you love to do that. So head over to Fair Park on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you do go to this event or any other outdoor event, bring an umbrella (for shade) or wear a hat, and apply and reapply sunscreen. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, and don't hesitate to duck into your car or an air-conditioned building if you get too hot. This heat is brutal!
By the way, here are my favorite food trucks and where to find them this week.
Ruthie's Food Truck
The grilled cheeses are great, and the mission is even greater. Part of Cafe Momentum's internship program, and always a contributor to our local community and non-profit organizations, you can't go wrong here. Find them at Klyde Warren park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fletcher's Corny Dogs
You don't have to wait for the fair to get your Fletcher's fix, but it does look like you'll have to wait till July. Right now no further events are scheduled for June.
The Butcher's Son
Another favorite of mine from Klyde Warren Park, they'll have their sandwiches, sliders and quesadillas at the park every day this week.
Frios Gourmet Pops, Bruno's Italian Ice
I'm not a big fan of ice cream, especially when it's hot (it MELTS!) but ices and pops are good. These are some of the best I've had! Both will be at Klyde Warren Park on Saturday.
Coming Events
July 4th will be here before you know it, and Fair Park Fourth is back this year. Also Addison Kaboomtown, which you'll either want to plan to attend or avoid. I'll also be watching for news of a streaming fireworks show from Reunion Tower. That one's my favorite because I can watch it from home.
My "If I...Weekend"
Years ago, I used this format for a things to do list I wrote regularly, and I thought I'd bring it back for this newsletter and see how you like it.
If I had a hundred dollars, I'd join the Perot Museum as a member ($95 for two adults.) Instead, I'll just go to Thursdays on Tap for live music, beer, food trucks and the Jane Goodall exhibit. Usually for this one I come up with an event that costs $100, but I may have to raise that a bit to fill this one in the future. We'll see.
If I had kids, I'd take them to see the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory on the lawn at the AT&T Discovery District on Sunday night. (This is a bonus not listed in the Reddit Things to Do list, and the details are on a Facebook event page.)
If I wanted to feel like a kid again, I'd go to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Toy Story Live in Concert performance.
If I wanted to feel old (and happy about it), I'd go to see Hard Night's Day at Legacy Hall on Friday night.
If I wanted to feel like an insider, I'd head to the newly opened Dive-In pool bar by the folks from Lee Harvey's.
If I had a dog, we'd go to the nearest MUTTS Canine Cantina on Friday night for Tails and Tunes.
If I wanted to celebrate with beer, I'd hit up the Ash and Ember Brewing two-year anniversary party in Cedar Hill on Friday night. Here's the Facebook event page.
If I wanted to discover some new art, I'd head to Texas Sculpts at The ArtCentre of Plano. The works of nine North Texas sculptors are on display through August 27.
That's all for this week. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please consider dropping something in my tip jar. It's midway down the out-of-date home page on one of my websites. (Updates coming soon!)













