If the boredom is so real — and you’ve found yourself doing nothing but channeling your friends’ highlight reels — stop now and step away from the phone.
It’s time to do something. In fact, you probably have a lot of somethings you’ve been waiting on your S.O. or P.I.C. to do with you, but here’s a thought: Just do them (yourself).
Need some inspiration? Here's a hot list of 25 must-dos that will have you loving your #metime — from treat-yourself splurges to seriously cool sights and scenes.
Even if flying solo seems awkward at best for you, these spots won’t leave you feeling all alone — at least not in a bad way.
Have coffee and conversation at Ascension
Where: 1621 Oak Lawn Ave.; 200 Crescent Court; 1601 Elm St.
@espressingtrendsChances are, you’ll see someone you know (or want to know) at this see and be seen caffeine mecca. The sleekly modern, Australian-style shop has expanded to multiple locations in Dallas. And, it’s no wonder with its elevated café atmosphere and solid menu of coffee and trendy food (think toasts, bowls, and more). It’s a cool place to sit back and sip — and possibly strike up a conversation with someone else.
@kris10spauldingvia haileyhallum
Nerd out at the Perot Museum of Nature & Science
Where: 2201 N. Field St.
@chrisdemaraisThis is the real Jurassic Park, with the gargantuan fossil skeletons of T. Rex and Alamosaurus in the Life Then and Now Hall. Maybe you’ve been wanting to go to this hub of natural wonders for a while, but your friends don’t love science like you do. Who cares. Have fun.
Take yourself on a movie date at The Magnolia
Where: 3699 McKinney Ave.
@caffeineinthecityembedded via
See an indie flick at this cool West Village theater and you may even have the whole place to yourself, as opposed to the packed blockbuster flicks. Regardless, once the lights go down, no one knows who you’re with (or not with) anyway.
@joeylashGet your boba and bingsu fix at 9 Rabbits Bakery
Where: 2546 Royal Ln.
@jennkpopNovelty drinks and Asian-style baked goods are what’s on the menu at this kitschy spot in Koreatown. FYI (if you don't know): Boba is milk tea with big tapioca pearls and bingsu is Korean shaved ice. If you haven’t tried either, it’s high time you did.
@happyfoodthoughts
@littlemissasianninjaWalk around the Dallas Farmers Market
Where: 920 S. Harwood St.
@rendallashotelThe scene is especially lively on the weekends, but you won’t feel out of place being alone. You can pick up fresh produce and artisan goods to make yourself an amazing meal — or just grab a fruity pineapple drink and find a place to people watch. There’s also a big indoor market with eclectic eateries.
@regs240Take a cooking class at The Cookery
Where: 1130 Dragon St., Ste. 180
@thecookerydallasCooking meets dinner party at this chic little spot in the Design District, where you can learn how to make an impressive array of things in a fun atmosphere — think thematic events liks pho, farm-to-table, and flavors of the world. They also have a class that will teach you how to throw the perfect cocktail party. Cheers!
@jenmauldinGo mural-hunting with 42 Murals Project.
Where: Deep Ellum (various locations)
@j_kristelDeep Ellum is known for its colorful street art, thanks to the 42 Murals Project. The three streets to stroll are Main, Commerce, and Elm, but you can likely find some hidden gems no matter where you turn in the city. Hint: You can also see random murals downtown Dallas at Pegasus Plaza and also at Trinity Groves and the Design District. Who knows what else you’ll find, once you start looking.
@outsidesuburbiaBe thrifty at Lula B’s
Where: 1982 Fort Worth Ave.; 1010 N. Riverfront Blvd.
@mollybworkmanThrift shopping can be an invigorating experience — especially when you score some incredible piece of amazingness. And, you likely will, after sifting through the antiques, curiosities, and clothing at Lula B’s, which has locations in the Design District and Oak Cliff.
Have a drink, then move those hips to salsa dancing at Beto & Son
Where: Trinity Groves, 3011 Gulden Ln.
@caffeinated214Every Wednesday night, the Mexican food hotspot hosts a free salsa lesson followed by dancing through the night. No, you don’t have to have a partner, so don’t worry. They even have a Nitrogen Alchemy bar — think liquid nitro margaritas, piña coladas, and frosé — for some extra dance-y motivation.
@betoandsonGo to the Flea (Style) market
Where: 3009 Commerce St.
@fleastyleYour favorite flea market, Flea Style, has a storefront location that you can shop anytime — without waiting for the spring and fall events. With all the handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind items, you’ll think you stepped into a Pinterest board.
Have a retro moment at Vintage Martini
Where: 2923 N. Henderson Ave.
@vintagemartiniChannel another style era at this contemporary and vintage consignment store that’s a treasure trove of designer finds. Hit up Jack Retro, too, for another winning shop for haute finds.
Go forest bathing at Trinity River Audubon Center
Where: 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way
@cmcluffThe Japanese practice of forest bathing is a restorative way to enhance your inner well-bring. And, this place is your ticket to just that. It serves as the gateway to the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest, one of the largest hardwood bottomland urban forests in the United States. All the nature trails are worth exploring, too.
@free_your_mind_Walk across the Ron Kirk Pedestrian Bridge
Where: 109 Continental Ave.
@downtown_dallasIt’s one of the best views of the Dallas skyline you can get on foot. And, it’ s perfectly acceptable to take a selfie (or two). Afterwards, you may want to stop by Trinity Groves if you’re hungry or thirsty. With almost too many restaurants to choose from and indoor-outdoor seating, you’ll never be bored there.
Chill out at Dallas Fraternal Order of the Eagles
Where: 8500 Arturo Dr.
@jcantelThis pool can be a sizzling-hot scene — literally and figuratively. But, it’s also a legit place to chill and read a book or work on your tan.
@oksarahmay
@jessisupremeCheck out Interabang Books
Where: 10720 Preston Rd., Ste. 1009B
@fabledbookshopBookstores have almost become nostalgic. Embrac it at this indie bookseller that has plenty to pique your interest with a focus on fiction, children’s books, and creative non-fiction. Plus, they have book signings and author events almost every day of the week.
Go au naturel at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Where: 8525 Garland Rd.
@rovney01Stop and smell the flowers at this beautiful hub for all the blossoms and lush greenery you could imagine — plus pretty views of White Rock Lake. It’s a great place to disconnect and wander through the trails alone.
@impacteverything
@toris.photographyTry a new workout at Vertical Fitness
Where: 6090 Campbell Rd., Ste. 136; 4101 Centurion Way, Addison
@emjoyyogaSwitch out your standard yoga or Pilates practice, and pretend you’re training for Cirque du Soleil for a day. This pole fitness and aerial arts studio boasts a range of beginner to advanced level classes that are super-fun and super-challenging. You’ll be feeling it the next day.
Swing by the waffle window at Otto’s Coffee and Fine Foods
Where: 1321 Commerce St.
@ottoscoffeeYes, it’s a real walk-up window for European-style liege waffles (and other pastries and coffee). Enough said.
@askfoodbitchHave the Magnificent Seven at Hiatus Spa + Retreat
Where: 5560 W. Lovers Ln.
@mozdebThe lucky-seven massage and guided meditation helps balance your seven chakra energy centers and includes Swedish and deep tissue massage and reflexology, plus essential oils designed to uplift, calm, and enhance your overall well-being.
@kinandkodachrome
@hiatusspaGet the Blue Mermaid bowl at Serve
Where: 320 W. Eighth St.
@serve.houseAll those bloggers’ surreally beautiful smoothie bowls that you’ve been salivating over on Instagram can now be yours. The Blue Mermaid with spirulina is almost too vivid to be true. Of course, they have other healthy-delicious things on the menu, including avocado toast, sandwiches, and refreshing drinks. Plus, the little eatery is just adorable with a chalkboard inspiration wall.
@rasywashStay non-toxic with a mani/pedi at Pink Pedi
Where: 1888 Sylvan Ave., Ste. F-140
@dallasites101Skip the toxic fumes (which are almost as bad as toxic people), and keep your nails looking nice at this precious salon that’s eco-friendly and toxin-free. They also have a myriad of homemade scrubs and bath bombs that you can choose from before your service.
@ohheydallas
@pinkpedisalonGet deliciously twisted at Twisted Treats
Where: 2820 Elm St.
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No need to choose your fave treat. You can have them all here, where soft serve, edible cookie dough, milkshakes, and popsicles are all on the menu — but served up with unique twists and endless build-your-own options.
@maya_emeirTreat yourself to a staycation at The Joule
Where: 1530 Main St.
@thejouledallasTwo words: Joule Pool. The infinity pool that hangs off the building is worth an overnight stay alone — although sometimes the hotel does offer day passes to non-hotel guests. But, you might as well splurge and get a room, and heck, book a spa treatment, too. Just know that your friends may no longer be “busy” if they find out what kind of pool you're hanging out at without them.
@boutiquehotelsww
@thespaatthejouleWander the halls at the Dallas Museum of Art
Where: 1717 N. Harwood
@akkinenianjaliEven if you’ve been to the museum before with friends, you may have not really paid full attention to your surroundings. Take it all in on a solo trip, where you can linger over 24,000 works of art from all cultures and time periods spanning 5,000 years of human creativity.
@arelyseHave your pie and eat it too at Cibo Divino
Where: 1868 Sylvan Ave., Ste. D-100
@kay_beezyPretend you’re in Italy and have a pretty-as-pie personal pizza all to yourself — with a glass of wine, natch — at this cute marketplace that will have you channeling la dolce vita in no time.
@bleeckerfood