If you are traveling to Texas, you might be visiting a large city such as Dallas. A trip to Dallas would most likely include a visit to the Reunion Tower where you can take an elevator up 470 ft for a 360 view of the entire city of Dallas. Staycations near Dallas have become more and more popular. A staycation, with many benefits, is when you experience a new town as if you were a local. It does not consist of big tourist attractions, but more of the local area hot spots which are usually not well known to anyone who doesn’t live there.
Did you know, that taking a two-hour trip from Dallas to Jacksonville, or a one and a half hour trip to Waco could bring just as much enjoyment? Possibly even more so than Dallas? These cities have a lot to offer their tourists right within their city lines. Small town staycations near Dallas in either of these cities might be right up your alley. In this article, you will read about what these cities have to offer the casual tourist.
One and a Half Hours Away from Dallas
If you’ve ever watched “Fixer Upper” on HGTV, you might be familiar with the city of Waco, Texas. All of the episodes of this hit TV show were filmed on location here in Chip and Joanna’s (show hosts) hometown. The population of Waco is currently 135,000 people and growing due to all the amenities this cute Texas town has to offer.
With the success of “Fixer Upper”, the town’s popularity has risen and brought in a slew of tourists. They primarily come to take the “Fixer Upper” tour by visiting all the Magnolia establishments, which the Gaines’ have created. If you have never heard of the show or don’t really care for it there is plenty more for you to experience in Waco on your staycation.
Where to Stay for Staycations Near Dallas
A must-do for fans of “Fixer Upper”, one option is to stay at one of the Magnolia Houses Bed and Breakfast. There are three houses to choose from. They are all absolutely beautiful in their design and construction. You will be treated with some old-fashioned Texas hospitality upon your arrival. Rob and Marianne will be there to greet you and show you around. They are always a phone call or text away for anything you might need, and not to mention, they are sweet as pie!
There’s free WiFi, two coffee stations fully stocked with Keurig coffee machines, all kinds of top-notch toiletries, bottled water, towels, bathrobes, hairdryers, a washer and dryer, laundry detergent, a sewing kit, local guide books, umbrellas, charger cables, an iron, a TV and DVD player complete with a selection of family-friendly flicks, board games, a Bluetooth speaker, a full kitchen with every appliance, dish, pot, or pan you could need to cook a whole meal and much much more.
You will have the entire house to yourself, unlike a typical bed and breakfast, where you are sharing the house with others. This is the perfect setting for your staycations near Dallas. Each house has been featured on a different episode of”Fixer Upper” and has been renovated by the Gaines themselves. It is a bit pricey to stay in any of these houses, and you must stay at least two nights. The prices range from $545 to $1020 per night and include a free gourmet breakfast that is simply out of this world. To see pictures and read more about these rental houses visit their website.
For a bit more of an adventurous stay, I would suggest the Blue Hills Ranch. This giraffe and animal sanctuary encompasses 150 acres of rolling hills splashed with bluebonnets and offers cozy cabins for you to rent out for $300 a night for weekdays and $400 a night for weekends. This price includes the fee for two people. An additional member of your party will be an extra $65. There will be plenty of time for animal encounters. Although the sanctuary is open to the public for visits, your VIP experience only includes members of your party.
You can take the grand safari and see all the animals on the preserve including giraffes, baby pigs, cows, lemurs, emus, zebras, and so much more. You can swim and play with the otters. You can get up close and personal with the animals by feeding them, petting them, and taking as many pictures as you’d like. Have you ever wanted to bottle-feed baby giraffes? This staycation can really be a dream destination, especially for animal lovers. Visit their website for more information.
Where to Eat Lunch for Staycations Near Dallas
Of course, one good option for lunch would be the Magnolia Table, owned by, you guessed it, Chip and Joanna Gaines. While reservations are not required, I would highly suggest making one because the wait times of this popular breakfast and lunch spot can get extremely long. They are best known for using fresh, homegrown ingredients. Their menu is not huge, but everything on it is fantastic. You can view the menu here.
There is also the Magnolia Press serving up coffee, tea, and limited baked goods. There is the Magnolia food truck for a quick bite to eat. The Silos Baking Company is best known for their signature cupcakes, but they have a delicious selection of cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, and more.
Jakes Texas Tea House will catch your eye as soon as it is in eyesight. It is adorned in vintage car memorabilia both inside and outside. You can expect Texas-sized portions of home-style southern classics like pot roast, chicken fried steak, BBQ ribs, etc.
The staff is friendly and the service is quick. You can choose to eat inside or outside, and you might even be there one day when a live country singer is performing. They offer vegan and vegetarian options as well, so everyone on your staycation can enjoy their meal. There is a kids’ menu for the little ones who will definitely appreciate the wild decor. All in all, this is a great little place that offers good food at a good price and a fun ambiance.
Where to Shop for Staycations Near Dallas
I have two suggestions for great shopping experiences in Waco. I would first suggest the downtown farmers market. Located at 500 Washington Ave, this local market features the best local agricultural producers and artisan vendors within 150-miles of Waco. Any local would agree that this is a must-see for your staycation. Take a stroll around and listen to live bands on Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm.
The market remains closed the rest of the week. Their mission is to “bring locally grown and produced goods to downtown Waco to support local farmers and artisans as well as to enrich the culture of the community.” There is prepared food available as well. The waffles smothered with Nutella and farm-fresh strawberries and bananas are a favorite of the locals. Hand-crafted beauty products, home decor, flowers, fruit, vegetables, and clothing are available at reasonable prices.
Everyone who visits Waco of course goes to the Magnolia shops which have beautiful items designed by Chip and Joanna. However, if you want to take a break from Magnolia tourism, there is a fun shop called Iron Willow.
There are many (pricey) metalwork signs to adorn your home within the Magnolia shops, but at Iron Willow, you can find just as lovely pieces for half the price. This eclectic store is fun to visit even if you are not in the market for a metal sign. They have a lot of metal artwork as well.
According to one former guest on loc8nearme.com, “This place will leave a dent in your wallet. They have a lot of interesting items that you will find yourself needing to take home with you, and the prices are good so that you will take many of them.
The young lady behind the counter was very nice and helpful. When we come back to Waco, we will make this shop one of our must-see places.” It is definitely a fun and interesting place to look around and window shop if you’re not looking to buy. The staff has been said to be extremely friendly and make any visit feel comfortable.
Where to Walk/Run
The best place for a walk or run on your staycations near Dallas would be the Waco Riverwalk, looping along the banks of the Brazos River.
This trail is 7 miles long and well-lit, making it convenient for daytime or nighttime excursions.
Experience the natural beauty of the Brazos river’s corridor from Baylor University, underneath the Waco suspension bridge, all the way to Cameron Park.
There are many entrances and exits to this trail along the way. You will also pass by the Waco sculpture zoo during your walk where you can see many different, beautifully carved large statues of animals.
Where to Get a Massage
Based on a rigorous 50 point inspection including customer reviews, complaints, trust, and cost, the people of Waco, Texas have voted Pivotal Pathway Massage Therapy and Wellness Center as the best of the best for a local massage. Massage will not only focus on your body and muscles but also be individualized to your own personal relaxation and mental wellness. Along with a variety of massage types, they also offer Infrared Saunas, Infrared Biomat, and Paraffin services.
An hour-long massage will run you $90 while an hour and a half will be $140. It is not the cheapest place in town, but you get what you pay for. This is your staycations near Dallas, and you should spoil yourself! Take a look at their website to learn more about the services they offer.
Where to Eat Dinner
If you’re down south you’re going to want to sample some authentic southern BBQ. The prices at Papa Jack’s BBQ make you feel guilty for not paying more for the quality and quantity of food you get on your plate. They offer all the staples of an old-fashioned southern BBQ.
Locals and tourists alike, state that if they could give more than 5 stars on their review they would. Nothing on the menu will disappoint you. This is definitely a diamond in the rough. They only have four tables! But the food is unmatched by any other BBQ around. Check them out here.
Where to Bring the kids
There are a few fun options for the little ones to enjoy on your Waco staycation. Even if you don’t have kids in tow, most adults would enjoy these popular attractions as well. One place to visit is not just fun but a really great learning opportunity. The Waco Mammoth National Monument is a paleontological site and museum. You can observe the real fossils of 24 mammoths and other mammals.
The museum was built around the site with the help of the city of Waco and Baylor University to supply the funding and protection of the land. When the fossils were unearthed they were not disturbed at all. They are still in the same spots that they were in when they were discovered. The kiddos can complete activities throughout the park, and be sworn in as a Waco Mammoth National Monument Junior Ranger.
The Dr. Pepper Museum is a must-see for kids, and adults, of all ages on your staycations near Dallas. It helps if you’re a fan of this popular soda, but it will still be an awesome experience even if you are not.
There is so much to do here. You can create your own soda in the soda lab. You can sample a flight of 6 very interesting, wacky soda flavors that most of the world will never experience. You can take the standard tour or the extreme tour.
The extreme tour allows you a VIP experience. You get to go behind the scenes and take the best photos and handle historic soft drink tools. There have been many reports of paranormal activity at the museum. You can take a tour after regular hours, from 8-10 pm, and get your very own emf reader to see if you can detect any of these haunted happenings. This experience is only available to guests 18 years old or older. Whatever experience you choose will be a unique add-on to your staycation.
For your little sports fans, you should take a visit to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. The museum is home to 6,000 pieces of original sports memorabilia, including at least one piece from each inductee. Kids under 5 are free and adults cost $8 each. There are more than 300 Texas sports legends for you to come learn about.
2 Hours Outside of Dallas
Head southeast on US-175 for two hours and you’ll end up in the “tomato capital of the world.” The city of Jacksonville, with a population of about 15,000, has more to offer than delicious tomatoes. This is a location that sadly gets overlooked by tourists but makes for the perfect staycation.
The city was founded in 1847 under its original name of Gum Creek. The name was changed in 1850 to honor the first postmaster (Jackson Smith) and doctor (William Jackson).
Where to Stay On Staycation Near Dallas
For the best in southern hospitality, the Bed and Breakfast at Kiepersol is the place to be. They offer the best in food, wine, and comfort. There are 15 different rooms, at different rates, for you to choose from. You can have your own private porch or hot tub.
They boast of using elegant linens and beautiful decor accessories. The grounds include a vineyard and winery for you to explore. This retreat nestled within a wine farm ensures the utmost comfort, relaxation, and an amazing breakfast included with your stay. What more can you ask for on your staycations near Dallas? They will take your breakfast order when you check in so it will be ready and waiting for you the next morning.
The chef will accommodate any dietary needs. Tuesday-Saturday offers wine and spirit tastings from 11 am-7 pm. The grapes used are all grown on the estate, where all the wine and spirits are also produced. Once you’ve decided on your wine or signature estate cocktail, you can relax on the patio overlooking a breathtaking view of the vineyard. Personalized tours explain what goes into twenty years of wine production.
The tour takes you through a 700 barrel two-story cellar. On the other side of the farm, you can tour the micro-distillery and batch barrel room which produces unique spirits. A complete list of their products can be found here.
Where to Eat Lunch on Staycations Near Dallas
Have you ever wondered what a grilled cheese on a waffle might taste like? Wonder no more! At Ritual, a luncheonette located inside a brick building, you can choose from a variety of lunch options from their imaginative menu. The produce is fresh and grown locally. The hot bacon balsamic salad is unlike anything you’ve tasted before.
Take advantage of all they have to offer here while on your staycation. This is more than just a restaurant though. Upstairs you will find massages, facials, yoga, and meditation sessions. This really is a one-stop-shop for your well-being. The little shop sells a variety of self-care items. Texas monthly named Ritual as the number one “off the beaten path” place to eat in Texas.
Where to Walk/Run On Staycations Near Dallas
Love’s Lookout offers a 30-mile panoramic view of breathtaking scenery. Located 240 ft above the surrounding 5500 sq ft state park, are picnic tables for you to relax at after your journey and take in the view.
This is the perfect place for some amazing photo ops of your staycations near Dallas. The surrounding gardens are just as impressive, attracting many butterflies amongst the colorful perennials.
Where to Shop
Southern Serape is the perfect combination of funky meets Texas swag. You will not find a wider selection of offbeat cowboy boots including teal leopard print, and bright blue with long fringes, being just a few. They have clothes, bags, accessories, and more, all following the same extraordinary style.
In 1919 the Texas Basket Factory opened its doors to create the baskets needed to store the harvest collected during its “Tomato Capital” days.
It is now the largest producer of baskets in the world! It ships out about 10,000 baskets worldwide every day. They offer baskets in different shapes and sizes and continue to evolve their designs. They also sell jewelry, handbags, kitchen accessories, and home decor in their Jacksonville shop. Definitely a must-see shop on your staycations near Dallas.
If you’re into vintage items or antiquing, you must pay a visit to Treasure Cove Mall Antiques, Collectibles & Gifts. Forty on-site vendors have everything from the 1930s to the 1980s for you to peruse. You are encouraged to take as many photos as you want and share them on social media. Both children and pets are welcome inside as well. There is so much to see here it is very likely you’ll find something to give a new home to.
Where to Eat Dinner
If you’re only interested in exquisite, fine dining Sylvia Mae’s Soul Food is not for you. However, if you don’t mind a plastic red and white table cloth with the best-fried cornbread in town this is a must-do for dinner. Sylvia cooks just like Grandma. Everything is made from scratch! This is the type of place you will only find on your staycations near Dallas. They are known around town for their fried ribs, but you can also choose from smothered pork chops, fried catfish, and so much more.
If you don’t see anything you like on the menu, which I doubt will happen, just ask and they will make a plate of your own request. You can’t beat the prices or the quality. Don’t forget to try some of the best desserts around before you go. For a full menu including their daily specials check the link here.
Where to Get a Massage
Based on real customer reviews, Healthy Living Tune-Ups is the best massage in town. Arlene’s skilled hands are not only able to make you relaxed but can work out any knots or musculoskeletal problems that might be bothering you. The atmosphere of the salon itself is enough to take you into a state of tranquility. You will not be disappointed with your choice of a massage therapist. When you leave you will feel rejuvenated and ready to enjoy the rest of your staycations near Dallas.
In conclusion, there are many options for your Texas staycation. A staycation can be your new vacation. It is always fun to explore a new city. My suggestions should give you a great starting point to plan your trip. Talking to the locals in an unfamiliar town is also a great way to help guide you throughout your stay. These two cities offer so much in the way of down-home southern comfort, great food, amazing views and scenery, and even some off-the-beaten-trail experiences for you to explore during your staycations near Dallas.
