48 Hours: Dallas, TX in the Spring

I’ve been to Dallas several times over my lifetime as a Texan (I even interned in the city for 3 months during my college years), but somehow I’ve never truly explored the city nor really found anything that connected me to it. So when I found out about the gorgeous bluebonnet fields in Ennis, Texas (located an hour south of Dallas), I decided to give Dallas another chance to impress me and make a weekend trip out of it. I was honestly surprised at how fun Dallas turned out to be!

Bishop Arts District Hotel

I’ve never stayed in a hotel in Dallas before since I usually opt to stay with friends, but this time I wanted to stay in a trendy boutique hotel and Bishop Arts District Blueloft Hotel totally fit the bill. It was locally owned, with just a few uniquely decorated rooms and a private gated parking lot, and a comfortable lobby and free coffee for working the day away. I booked the Blueloft on Airbnb, but the hotel also has its own website where rooms can be booked as well. I had such a great experience staying here and can’t wait for my next trip!

Ennis Bluebonnet Fields

The Texas state flower blooms in the springtime and covers the side of highways and a select few fields with dots of bright blue. Every Texan knows that the best place to see bluebonnets is in Ennis, Texas, located just an hour south of Dallas. Every April the tiny town of Ennis hosts a Bluebonnet festival (entry tickets are just $5 and go towards the town!) and opens up 4 huge bluebonnet fields for viewing and photos. It truly was an amazing experience seeing these gorgeous blue flowers up close for the first time ever.

Bishop Arts District

The Bishop Arts District so so underrated and I really don’t know why more people don’t come and explore the area because its so cute and fun. There are so many Instagrammable eateries, adorable boutiques, and delicious cafes that line the streets of the District. I loved living so close to all the shops and cafes on this trip because it made everything so accessible!

Lync Cycling

Not the best spin studio I’ve ever worked out at (there was something off about the bike that I couldn’t put my finger on…), but I still enjoyed starting off my Sunday in Dallas with a sweaty workout.

Paradiso

I told my friend to find the bougiest restaurant in Dallas so that we could dine in Instagram style and she did not disappoint! Paradiso is located in the Bishop Arts District and consists of a posh outdoor garden as well as a a glass enclosed building. The food is nothing to write home about, but the dining experience more than makes up for it!

Emporium Pies

I have a huge sweet tooth and the pies at Emporium Pies satisfied it completely. I had such a hard time deciding which pie to get (the flavors do rotate!), but finally settled on the salted caramel buttercream slice because salted caramel is seriously irresistible.

Bonton Farms

I discovered Bonton Farms thanks to Instagram and couldn’t wait to try their lattes at their cute farm location. Bonton Farms is more than just a popular cafe and brunch spot though. They provide homegrown vegetables and food for the underprivileged South Dallas community and also teach students how about healthy eating. Many of the local kids are employed by Bonton Farms too! The Farms is known for their famous honey butter (trust me its delicious!) and their farm to table food and their relaxing outdoor dining. Don’t forget to come early because it will get crowded on the weekend!

White Rhino Coffee

Another Instagram find… why does my Instagram know me so well! White Rhino has 2 locations in Dallas, but the Bishop Arts District location has a gorgeous sun filled space and serve a delicious German Chocolate latte. Pro tip- Sign up for their loyalty program and your first drink is free!

Salty Donut

I’ve loved Salty Donut ever since trying their delicious donuts in Miami. So when I found out there was a Dallas location, there was no doubt in my mind that I had to come eat some more donuts.

The Taco Stand

It can be so easy to pass by this tiny little red and white taco stand in the Bishops Art District and miss out on their yummy puffy tacos and creamy queso dip. But then you would have missed out on one of Dallas’ hidden gems!

Joy Macaron

Macarons are definitely God’s gift to humans and ice cream macarons are desserts that are simply out of this world. Joy Macaron is decorated so cute and serve the most adorable fruity pebbles and milk ice cream macaron.

Village Boulangerie

Ever since leaving New York, I've missed all the local bakers who line the city streets with their little bakeries and pastry shops. Village Boulangerie on Greenville Avenue made me so nostalgic of all the French pastries I use to eat.

Bird Bakery

Located in the upscale Highland Village, Bird Bakery is an adorable sidewalk cafe that serves the best cupcakes and nutella bread.

La La Land Kind Cafe

If a cafe could embody Instagram, this is it! La La Land Kind Cafe not only has unique lattes (check out my blue butterfly latte), but its located in the brightest yellow wooden house with a white picket fence and a perfectly manicured green lawn.

Three Egg Muffins

I’m always looking to support Asian businesses and loved the opportunity to check out this Korean owned brunch cafe that specializes in a variety of homemade egg muffins.

I’m glad I gave Dallas a second chance and that it proved me completely wrong! I’m thinking I’ll have to make a final trip here before moving from Texas… what else can I eat/explore/do?