Gentlemen, You're Welcome

5 great dates in Dallas, from drive-in movies to gallery strolls

Take her to Galaxy Drive-In Theatre in Ennis and cozy up in your car.
Photo by Randy Carlisle
After 40 years, The Grape is still one of the most romantic restaurants inDallas.
Canoeing on White Rock Lake is unconventional but fun.
Bring an old-school Polaroid to capture sweet moments.
Photo courtesy of Polaroid

When it comes to dating, everyone could use a little advice. And, because you never get a second chance to make a first impression, we girls put together some ideas for starter dates, based on personality types.

More advice from those who know: tread lightly, play nice and just be you. And, please, be on time.

For the Movie Buff
Go old-school and take her to the Galaxy Drive-In Theatre in Ennis, open daily. Sit in or on top of your car with a blanket, and watch a film under the stars. Just tune in to the station and cozy up. Galaxy is dog-friendly too.

Bring: A soft blanket and her favorite candy.

For the Artsy Intellectual
Gallery hop in the Design District from Dragon Street to Hi Line Drive. Stop by Samuel Lynne Galleries, Conduit Gallery, Craighead-Green Gallery, Holly Johnson Gallery and Photographs Do Not Bend. If things are going well, take her to FT33 for dinner, where chef Matt McCallister creates artful presentations on the plate.

Bring: A Polaroid camera to capture the sweet and funny moments.

For the Nature Gal
A stroll through the Dallas Arboretum (especially now that the Chihuly exhibit has been extended) or White Rock Lake is just the ticket for a girl who loves the outdoors. Surprise her by showing up with a picnic basket filled with her favorite wine, cheese and crackers. Just don’t forget a bottle opener.

Bring: A bouquet of flowers.

For the Foodie
The Grape on Lower Greenville has long been considered one of the most romantic restaurants in Dallas. We like it because it’s not too fancy, not too casual — it’s just right. Plan accordingly and make a reservation, because no one likes to wait. Noteworthy: The Grape does come-as-you-are wine dinners on Wednesdays.

Bring: A box of fancy assorted chocolates from Chocolate Secrets.

For the Renaissance Woman
Canoeing at White Rock Lake, followed by a wine tasting at Cork or Stoney’s Wine Lounge and a home-cooked meal that you prepare together. Adinner at your house may not be the norm for a first date (especially if you don’t often cook), but just go for it.

Bring: Nothing but yourself.

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E-Cigarette News

Dallas City Council places restrictions on vaping in public

Unsplash

Man vaping

Vaping will now be banned exactly like smoking, thanks to a new ordinance from the Dallas City Council.

At their December 11 meeting, the council passed an ordinance to ban vaping in all the same areas where smoking is not allowed. It'll go into effect on December 11, 2025 — giving everyone a year to get into compliance.

Proposed by City of Dallas Environmental Commission (EVC) and the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability (OEQS), the ordinance amends the definition of “smoking” in the Dallas City Code to include the use of vaping devices.

The ordinance does not ban vaping — it only bans where you can vape: no vaping in all indoor and enclosed spaces; within 15 feet of building entrances; and on park property. The ordinance also bans marijuana smoking in those same places.

In addition, the amendment requires restaurants, hotels, fitness centers and other businesses to update their signage to clearly state that both smoking and electronic smoking devices are prohibited.

The ordinance already earned widespread support from health organizations such as the Dallas County Health and Human Services, the American Lung Association, and the American Heart Association. These organizations, along with the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Surgeon General, have all raised concerns about the health risks of direct and second-hand exposure to vaping aerosols, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and older adults.

Dallas is not the first city to impose such a ban: San Antonio enacted a similar ban in October. Theirs goes into effect on January 1, 2025.

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