Feel like you need to get away from it all, but don't have time for a major vacation? Burleson is only a short, 45-minute drive from Dallas, and offers plenty of escapism.
From wineries to museums, ghost tours to shopping, there's plenty you can pack into a weekend. Here are some of the top picks:
To stay
Whether you choose to sleep out under the stars; claim an RV site; or snuggle up in a cozy, comfortable cabin, North Texas Jellystone Park is ready to welcome you. Keep a close eye on that picnic basket, because you're likely to run into Yogi Bear, Boo-Boo, and Ranger Smith during your stay.
To do
Right next to Jellystone is Pirates Cove Fun Zone, a water park that boasts 11 slides, two waterfalls, and a 750-foot-long lazy river. If you want to keep dry while having fun, Buffalo Nickels combines an arcade with mini golf, while Painting With a Twist lets you create a masterpiece with a brush in one hand and a glass of wine or beer in the other.
Speaking of wine, there are two wineries you'll want to check out. The family-owned and operated Lost Oak Winery, on the picturesque banks of Village Creek, has won prestigious awards for its Viognier, Blanc du Bois, and Cabernet. Sunset Winery is known as "the best little wine house in Texas," and it's located in the actual former home of owners Bruce and Birgit Anderson.
Russell Farm Art Center also provides a glimpse into the past, as several of its buildings date back to the earliest days of what would eventually become Burleson (as far back as 1877). Today, it also offers summer art camps and year-round classes in painting, watercolor, and woodcarving.
If buildings aren't enough of a history lesson, let the people — er, spirits, — tell you stories themselves. Burleson Historical Ghost Tours prowl the town every Friday and Saturday night, with guides using EMF sensors and KII detectors during the two-and-a-half-hour walk.
To shop
Independent boutiques abound in Burleson, with Pink Chandelier, Rebecca's Boutique, Meccafox, and Tin Rose Boutique all offering a curated selection of womenswear and accessories.
Accents, Bricoluor Vintage Home, and Gypsy Trunk and Fabulous Junk each stock unique finds for the home, but nothing is more unique than Geek Out's selection of comics, toys, games, and collectibles. A stop at CB Fincher’s Western Wear is a must, especially if you're in need of a new pair of cowboy boots or a hat.
To eat
Foodies are quickly discovering Burleson as a must-visit for authentic home cooking, and this list is a good starting point for the hungry. But the choices are vast, including American classics such as the homemade pies at Our Place, the delicious fried chicken and family atmosphere of Babe's Chicken Dinner House, and the low and slow barbecue at Roscoe's Smokehouse.
Cosmopolitan eats and craft cocktails await at The Rim, while Mojo's TexMex Smokehouse and Grill is refreshingly simple, with four different meat options and a handful of toppings served as burritos, bowls, nachos, or tacos.
Looking for something record-breaking? Moontower Pizza Bar holds the Guinness world record for the largest commercially available pizza (measuring 8 feet long and 32 inches wide). Also noteworthy is Old Texas Brewing Co., which has the only SkyBar in Burleson and is now brewing its own beers in-house.
Pirates Cove Fun Zone offers aquatic entertainment for all ages.
Mark Ridlen (right) with close friend Reid RobiinsonFacebook