Stay a Spell

America's best city for a staycation is right in your own Texas backyard

Skim the treetops at Go Ape.

Photo courtesy of Visit Plano

The personal finance site WalletHub just named Plano as the best city in the country for a staycation, and it's not hard to see why. The North Dallas suburb is packed with family-friendly activities and attractions, plus plenty of outdoor space for those looking to get some R&R in the fresh air.

And with COVID-19 putting the breaks on big vacations, Plano looks even more enticing to Texans. For Dallas residents, just a short drive north puts you in the middle of everything, from delicious restaurants to specialty shopping to fun outings.

Where to stay
Take your pick from big names and boutique hotels, with outposts of Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West, the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center, Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park, and the NYLO Dallas/Plano Hotel.

Where to eat
Take your pick from more than a thousand restaurants spanning all cuisine types, reflecting Plano's diverse culture. A must-visit is Legacy Hall, the dining mecca that brings everything from brisket to wine under one roof. Dining is also available at all walkable attractions, including Legacy West, The Shops at Legacy, The Boardwalk, The Shops at Willow Bend, and the Downtown Plano Arts District.

Where to be outside
With 84 award-winning parks and nature preserves, it's easy to enjoy the great outdoors in Plano. Whether you're walking, running, biking, or blading, there are trails to explore at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve and Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. Or go above ground at Go Ape!, where zip lines and rope ladders await amid the treetops.

What to do
Discover a world of interactive color at the Crayola Experience or take a dip in the famous Texas Pool. Bowl a strike at Pinstack or learn about the area's history at the Heritage Farmstead Museum and Interurban Railway Museum. Need more ideas? There's no shortage of them here.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and reopenings, please check the business' open status, restrictions, and hours before going.

promoted kids vacation families

This week in gluttony

These are the 7 best food and drink events in Dallas this week

Photo courtesy of Taste Addison

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On the tails of the holiday weekend, several events return by this week’s end. A gourmet Italian grocer will celebrate an Italian holiday; one of the longest running food festivals in town kicks off on Friday; and a wine tasting event themed after a hit movie takes place on Saturday. Get outdoors and pair a craft pint with a leisurely paddleboard tour. Or sip margaritas poolside after a refreshing yoga class at a top Dallas hotel.

Friday, June 2

Sunset Paddle & A Pint
DFW Surf Frisco kicks off its Friday night guided standup paddle tour of Hidden Cove Park and Marina with an extra incentive: beer. At the halfway point of the two-mile trek, participants stop for a sunset beer toast provided by 3 Nations Brewing. Board lamps, head lamps, and glow sticks provide light for the evening paddle back to shore. Tickets are $60 and the tour will run from 7:30- 9 pm.

All You Can Eataly
The Italian marketplace at NorthPark will close to the public and open to ticketholders for a Festa della Repubblica party featuring more than two dozen food stations, 50-plus Italian wines, 25-plus beers, and multiple cocktails bars featuring Italian libations. There’ll also be chef demos, DJ sets, photo booths, and live music with a dance band. Tickets start at $125, or pay $195 for VIP and get early entry, premium tastings, and a dedicated lounge. The party will run from 7-10 pm, with VIP early entry at 6 pm.

Taste Addison
The popular family-friendly festival kicks off Friday night at Addison Circle Park for two days of local restaurant dishes, wine and spirit tastings, music acts, and more. Participating restaurants include Asian Mint, Taqueria La Ventana, Thai Orchid, Ron’s Place, Lupe Tortilla, and at least two dozen others. General admission is $15, or $5 for kids 6-12. Or go VIP and pay $60 for two beverage tokens, two Taste Bite vouchers, and access to the main stage viewing deck and private VIP lounge. Taste Addison runs from 6 pm -midnight on Friday and 2 pm-midnight on Saturday.

Saturday, June 3

Catalina Canned Wine Mixer at Truck Yard Dallas
The Truck Yard hosts a “bro-down” party themed after the 2008 hit movie Step Brothers. Wear your best tuxedo t-shirt and enjoy a wine tasting, photo ops, food trucks, and a Step Brothers cover band. Admission is free, but a $15 wine tasting from 7-9 pm offers six wine samples and a souvenir glass filled with frose. Costume contests will be held at 5 pm and 10 pm.

Sunday, June 4

Yogarita at The Stoneleigh
Move over, beer yoga. The Stoneleigh is leveling up boozy yoga classes with the launch of Yogarita, a Sunday morning yoga session paired with a margarita. The one-hour class includes a Casamigos margaritas and a fish taco from the hotel’s Perle on Maple restaurant. Bonus: participants also get a lounge chair for the day at The Stoneleigh pool. Tickets are $40 and yoga mats are provided. Class begins at 10:30 am.

Wine and Cheese Pairing Class at Dallas Arboretum
This seated class will take participants through the art of pairing wine with artisanal cheeses and will be led by a cheese expert from the Mozzarella Company and wine expert from Two Wine Guys. The class is $89 (or $79 for Arboretum members) and will run from 1-3 pm.

Monday, June 5

Lakewood Brewery Dinner at Urban Crust
The Plano wood-fired pizza kitchen hosts a four-course beer pairing featuring local Lakewood Brewery. The dinner will come with four different Lakewood brews. The event is $49.99, plus tax and gratuity, and will begin at 6:30 pm.

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