5 Road Trips Under 3 Hours from Dallas You Can Take This Weekend

This picturesque town northeast of Dallas is juuuust far enough out there that it totally counts as a vacation. Check into the Grand Hotel and then stroll down to dinner and drinks at Harvest. In the morning, grab a cup of coffee at Snug on the Square before spending the morning bopping in and out of all the adorable boutiques. If there is no traffic on 75, you just might be able to make it home in half an hour.

Two words: Chip and Joanna. Yep, embrace the Fixer Upper addict in you by shopping at Magnolia Market at the Silos. Post retail therapy, fuel up with a banana-Nutella crepe at Co-Town Crepes (they even have gluten-free options) or a bacon, Gouda and basil grilled cheese from Cheddar Box. And if you plan ahead, you just might score a room at The Magnolia House. If you have to ask what that is, you don’t watch enough Fixer Upper.

Nicknamed the “Rose Capital of the World,” this is an ideal place to frolic if you fancy the flower. Check into a bungalow at High Hill Farm, where you can relax by the pool before dinner at their restaurant, Côte. A wine tour at Kiepersol Estates is also never a bad idea when in East Texas. Regardless of how you plan to spend your time here, don’t forget to load up with rose bushes on your way home.

The Red River Valley is now home to 4R Ranch Vineyards, maker of some of the most delicious Cabs in Texas that you don’t have to drive to Hill Country to enjoy. Head to the Wind Shed tasting room and deck ASAP. Make a weekend out of it by staying at Elm Creek Manor, a beloved bed-and-breakfast serving up all the meats, vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey and milk produced on its 14 acres. Mmm.

For those looking for a water-centered escape, PK might be your new BFF. Rent a cabin by the lake and plan to spend your days boating and your evenings in a rocking chair soaking up some unmatched Texas sunsets. Red Bull also holds a killer cliff-diving competition at Hell’s Gate—but don’t worry, it’s just as fun to watch as it is to cliff dive (probably).