Dog Days of Summer: How Dallasites Beat the Heat
Ways to Survive Our Scorching Dallas Summers
Every summer, humans and canines alike seek reprieve from the searing Dallas heat. Luckily, today’s technology allows many professionals to mix work and play anywhere in the world. Whether it’s an excursion to cooler mountain air or an exotic destination, boating on the lake or relaxing at beaches or the local country club, everyone has their favorite way to stay cool. We were curious to explore how Dallasites escape the torrid temperatures, so we did a deep dive to determine the intriguing answers. Explore the preferred poolside staycations, lake life, destinations, and backyard methodology employed to survive the dog days of summer.
Summer Homes & Quick Getaways
Whether it’s for frequent visits or an entire season, numerous Dallasites own additional property elsewhere, often sharing their second homes with family and friends or renting them to Airbnb guests between visits.
Regional Lake Houses
For those who must be present in the office, courtroom, or operating room, and outdoorsy types with flexibility, owning a nearby lake house is the ideal getaway. These dog-friendly escapes offer easy weekend escapades without having to reserve a paw palace. Family members can bide their time in the shade, reading or working, or indulge in water activities like fishing, swimming, and various boat sports.
Local Lakes
-
- Possum Kingdom Lake
- Cedar Creek Lake
- Lake Texoma
- Cypress Springs
- Lake Bob Sandlin
- Richland Chambers
- Moss Lake
Ranches: Some Dallasites prefer the seclusion of their private ranches outside the city, hunting, horseback riding, or enjoying the solace.
Texas Hill Country: From music, fine dining, spring-fed rivers, and recreation opportunities on Lake Travis, Austin is a perpetual favorite for Dallasites. Scenic drives, natural attractions like Enchanted Rock and Krause Springs, local vineyards and breweries, and charming towns like Fredericksburg and Wimberly make this 3-hour drive more than worth it.
Texas Gulf Coast: For those looking for the shortest drive to a beach, the Texas Gulf Coast is the answer. Family roots, history, and tradition reign supreme in Galveston, with easy access to numerous family-friendly adventure parks and a cruise port. A little further down the coastline, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and North Padre Island offer more beautiful beaches and locally-caught seafood.
Broken Bow, Oklahoma: Rising in popularity for its recent Hochatown explosion, this quick jaunt to cooler temperatures, natural beauty, recreation, and luxury lodging has been dubbed the “Hamptons of North Texas.”
National Destinations
Whether by plane, train, or automobile, many Dallasites flee the dog days of summer in a fury in favor of mountains or beaches. Some stay for an extended trip, while others enjoy vacation homes on the opposite sides of the country.
Mountain Adventures
Colorado and New Mexico: The top states for summer homes and getaways offer mountain views, cooler altitudes, and a multitude of outdoor activities. Cities such as Aspen and Santa Fe top the charts.
Beach Vacations
Florida Gulf Coast: Upscale coastal communities, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters offer an alluring respite from our urban oasis. Watercolor, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Destin, and Alys Beach are some favorite destinations.
California: Many flock to luxury coastal resorts to enjoy the upscale boutiques, galleries, and culinary scene in Laguna Beach, Santa Barbara, and La Jolla, while Malibu’s rugged coastline and secluded beaches allure surfers and those seeking a private escape. For those who prefer dry heat, Palm Springs is a must for mid-century modern architecture lovers, golfers, and spa enthusiasts. Lake Tahoe blends the mountain and beach experience for the ultimate in outdoor recreation. And, of course, Napa, Sonoma, and Monterey are favorites for wine lovers.
International Excursions
For those who love to stamp their passport and summer abroad, these foreign favorites are top travel destinations.
Foreign Destinations
- Europe: Europe is the top choice for international travelers, favoring locations like London, Paris, the South of France, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast for history, culture, architecture, and of course, cuisine.
- Other International Destinations: Many Dallasites also cite an interest in visiting locations such as Vietnam, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Japan.
Luxury Staycations and Local Indulgences
When not traveling, Dallas boasts numerous options for locals to survive the dog days of summer:
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel ZaZa, The Joule, Ritz Carlton, and Virgin Hotels Dallas offer upscale pool experiences, spa services, and coveted culinary reservations for their distinguished guests.
- Private Clubs: Private social clubs and country clubs like The Crescent Club, Park Cities Club, Dallas Country Club, Preston Trails, Brook Hollow, and others offer amenities including golf, tennis, swimming, private dining, and social events.
- Fine Dining: Dallas has gained notoriety for its restaurant scene, with many award-winning chefs and world-renowned culinary experiences to delight the palate and cool down with refreshing cocktails.
- Arts and Culture: With an array of indoor museums, theatre, and live music venues, Dallasites can experience a wide array of culture and a vibrant social scene while staying cool in an air-conditioned ambience.
Personal Backyard Oasis
The best way to survive the dog days of summer is to develop your haven into a personal paradise. By incorporating these essential elements, you might be tempted to forgo the travel and opt for a staycation.
1. Water
Whether you prefer to swim laps, float under the stars, or dip your feet in after a long day, incorporating fountains or pools provides an instant reprieve from the heat and soothing sounds for the soul.
2. Shade
In order to truly enjoy the outdoors during these dog days of summer, we need to take cover. From posh parasols and sublime sails to high-tech louvered pergolas and cabanas, seeking shelter from the sun simply is not an option.
3. Cooking & Dining Area
Granted, it’s not the best time of year to be slaving over a hot grill. But, with some indoor prep and speedy summer recipes, you can spend most of the time enjoying the fruits of your labor after a long day of pool lounging.
4. Gathering & Relaxing Spaces
Everyone needs a place to recline in peace or gather with friends and family. We design our outdoor spaces with versatility in mind to extend throughout the seasons.
Start Your Staycation Plans
At Bonick, our seasoned landscape designers can assist you by envisioning the oasis of your dreams. From sourcing and installing shade structures to designing and constructing a custom pool and outdoor rooms, we’ll help keep you cool. Contact us today to plan your space for next year’s dog days of summer and beyond!
You May Also Enjoy:
Simplify Your Summer Outdoor Living