Highland Park and University Park may be home to Dallas’ wealthy upper crust, but you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy a day out in the Park Cities. It doesn’t hurt to have a few extra bucks at hand — particularly if you plan on shopping at the upscale Highland Park Village — but here’s how to spend 12 hours getting to know two of the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s most distinctive neighborhoods regardless of your income bracket.
Lakeside | 9 am
Head to Lakeside Park to see some of the nicest homes and finest teddy bear statues North Texas has to offer. The park is pretty easy on the eyes, to say the least: Walk beside Turtle Creek to take in the most natural beauty. Look for fish swimming under the lily pads, feed the ducks, or bring a picnic basket to feed you and yours. Give the bridal photo shoots and proposals-in-progress a respectful berth.
43 | 11 am
Regardless of your political inclinations, the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University is worth a visit. The complex is home to 43’s presidential library and the Bush Institute public policy center, and regularly hosts speakers and other special exhibitions. Guests can place themselves in Bush’s shoes in the “Decision Points” theater, and the permanent exhibit provides a fascinating look at the former president’s eight years in office. This also provides a good opportunity to explore the campus at SMU, and leads you to your next museum visit.
Graze the Meadows | 12:30 pm
The most impressive collection of Spanish art on this side of the Atlantic can be found at the Meadows Museum. Visit to see a selection of work by artists like El Greco, Picasso, Goya, and Miró. Sculptures in the outdoor garden and plaza include Santiago Calatrava’s The Wave, and the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and events diving deeper into the history of Spanish art.
Pleasantville | 2 pm
Snider Plaza, University Park’s scenic hub, is a picturesque town square that boasts some of North Texas’ most compelling independent stores. Prepare yourself for an afternoon of shopping at the 100-year-old retail center, or just set aside an hour to stroll through an area that feels more Mayberry than Dallas.
Village People | 3 pm
A trip to the Highland Park Village, an upscale retail center that also happens to be a designated National Historic Landmark, could easily fill up an afternoon. It may be an expensive afternoon: some of the mall’s many luxury stores include Chanel and Christian Louboutin. Stick around to grab a bite to eat at Mi Cocina or Bistro 31, or catch a movie at the Village Theatre.
Pony Up | 7 pm
Try and catch a game at North Texas’ best sports venue. Even if the Mustangs aren’t playing, the magic remains at Moody Coliseum, which hosts a number of other events throughout the year. If it’s football season at SMU and game day at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, you’ll know it: There’s nothing subtle about Boulevarding for Mustangs football. Pony up and enjoy the ride. Be sure to also check the calendar for McFarlin Auditorium. The SMU venue hosts everything from rock concerts to speeches from big-name guests. Karl Rove, James Carville, and Rob Lowe are just a few of the guests on deck for 2016.
