Looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend? These daytrips are only one tank of gas away from campus, and can give you something fun to do that’s off the beaten path.
White Rock Lake
Get a car full of friends and head out to White Rock. There are plenty of trails around the lake, and you can even rent a boat for the day. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try paddle boarding. 469-888-0620; whiterockpaddle.com; (5 miles)
Dallas Zoo
Get in touch with your inner kid and run amuck at the zoo. Check out the Backstage Safari for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, with up-close encounters with the animals. 469-554-7600; dallaszoo.com; (9 miles)
State Parks
Texas has many beautiful state parks. Pitch a tent and stay the night in one of these options. Go to www.tpwd.state.tx.us for more information—click on “Find a State Park.”
Wills Point: Lake Tawakoni State Park
Fish, swim, boat, hike, mountain bike and camp on 376 acres. 903-560-7123; (48 miles)
Glen Rose: Dinosaur Valley State Park
Preserved dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River bed, plus a couple of life-size fiberglass dinosaur models join forces with camping, picnicking, river swimming and mountain biking. 254-897-4588; (80 miles)
Glen Rose: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
This drive-through exotic-animal park has a restaurant, gift shop, lodge and safari camp. 254-897-2960; www.fossilrim.org. (75 miles)
Pilot Point: Lantana Lodge & Marina at Jordan Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park
On the lake (water sports, birding, hiking, fishing and more) with moderately priced rooms and a restaurant. 1-866-526-8262; http://lantanaresortmarina.com/. (54 miles)
Atoka, Oklahoma: McGee Creek State Park
Gorgeous scenery in the southwestern edge of the Ouachita Mountains where you and friends can fish, hike, mountain-bike, boat, swim or camp. There’s an adjacent wilderness area, too. 580-889-5822; http://beta.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.4972 (125 miles)
Broken Bow, Oklahoma: Beavers Bend State Park and Lodge
Lodge, cabins, camping, golf, trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking—what more could you ask for? The Riverbend area has train rides, campfire nature programs, miniature golf, swimming, paddle-boating, horseback riding, and more. 580-494-6179; www.beaversbend.com. (193 miles)
Davis, Oklahoma: Turner Falls and Arbuckle Wilderness Parks
Splash around in a 77-foot waterfall at Turner Falls Park, then see a safari full of roaming animals at Arbuckle Wilderness Park. (133 miles)
Farms, Shopping, and Wineries
Canton: First Monday Trade Days
Thousands of shoppers descend on “the world’s oldest and largest flea market” on the weekend before the first Monday of every month. 903-567-6556; www.firstmondaycanton.com. (59 miles)
Gainesville: Lavender Ridge Farms
Pick your own lavender and shop for herbs, vegetables, and botanicals. Then enjoy some refreshment in the cafe. There’s also a petting zoo. 940-665-6938. http://www.lavenderridgefarms.com/ (70 miles)
Daingerfield: Greer Farm
Stock your dorm freezer by picking your own blueberries, blackberries, figs and plums. Overnight in a comfy barn loft with kitchenette. Browse the nursery for native plants. 903-645-3232; www.greerfarm.com. (134 miles)
Bryan: Messina Hof Winery
Tours, tastings, gourmet restaurant and elegant bed-and-breakfast are all included at this winery. 1-800-736-9463. www.messinahof.com. (175 miles)
