September 03, 2010

ReZoom's 7 Picks for Active Life in Dallas

By Richard L. Smith

ReZoom Contributor

ReZooms_7_Picks_for_Active_Life_in_Dallas

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 2006, Photographer Earl Nottingham

Walk, jog, bike, golf, ice skate, play tennis, get fit, even sightsee for exercise. Sitting still should be a crime in the "Big D."

If sitting still isn't a crime in Dallas, perhaps it should be. The nation's eighth largest city exudes motion and vibrancy. Likewise, the choices for an activity which accommodate any fancy and every wallet are bigger than "Big D" itself.

Mountain Bike in Cedar Hill State Park
No shortage of invigorating downhills and climbs exists here just 10 miles from downtown Dallas. Don't be surprised to find yourself whistling the theme to TV's "Dallas" when the downtown skyline is reflected at night in adjacent Joe Pool Lake. 1570 Farm-to-Market Road 1382, Cedar Hill, Texas. (972)291-3900. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/cedar hill/

Golf in Tenison Park
Two 18-hole, par 72 greens provide the balance of tranquility and challenge. It may be the type of park where you learned to play. Local lore says Lee Trevino survived off bets here while honing his game. 3501 Samuel Blvd., Dallas. (214) 670-1402. www.tenisonpark.com

Walk or Jog at White Rock Lake
While park use has increased, it's still the jogging and walking heart of Dallas. A 10-mile asphalt trail around the lake is easy on the lower extremities. Don't worry: the "Lady of the Lake," the resident ghost, doesn't bother fitness buffs. 8300 Garland Drive., Dallas. (214)670-8740. www.dallascityhall.com/html/white_rock_lake.html

Tennis at the Four Seasons Resort and Club
The resort is best known for its 18-hole course hosting PGA's Byron Nelson Classic. But make no mistake, this is the place for tennis in the area. Eight outdoor and four indoor courts feature helpful pros and "early bird" sessions. 4150 North MacArthur Blvd., Irving, Texas. (972) 717-0700. www.fourseasons.com/dallas/

Aerobicize at Cooper Fitness Center
If fitness is what you are looking for, then go to the man who coined the term "aerobics." The center and spa founded by aerobics guru Dr. Kenneth Cooper offers a vast array of regimens to keep healthy and fit. 12100 Preston Road, Dallas. (972)239-7223. www.cooperaerobics.com/

Ice skate at America's Ice Garden
Ice skating inside a 12-story atrium at downtown's Plaza of the Americas can make you forget that sometimes Dallas has strings of 100-degree summer days. Skate this mellow venue by day, then rock and roll in nearby clubs at night. 700 N. Pearl St. Dallas (214)720-8080. www.icesk8aig.com

Sightsee History for Health
Combine a healthy downtown walk with a boomer pilgrimage. Start anywhere but end at Dealey Plaza and the Kennedy Memorial. The Sixth Floor Museum honors JFK from his assassin's perch. The nearby Conspiracy Museum attracts those unsure Oswald acted alone. Conspiracy Museum (214)741-3040. Sixth Floor Museum, 411 Elm St. (214)747-6660. www.jfk.org. Downtown Kennedy Memorial, Main and Market Streets. www.jfk.org/Research/Kennedy_Memorial/

Restaurants to Fill Out the Day

The Blue Goose Cantina
The fajitas sizzle and the margaritas go down way too easy at this king of Tex-Mex on trendy Lower Greenville. (Reasonable) 2905 Greenville Ave., Dallas. (214)823-8339. www.bluegoosecantina.com.

Lakewood Bar and Grill
Wind down near White Rock Lake in this East Dallas institution known for its bountiful burgers, beer and live music. (Reasonable) 6340 Gaston Ave., Dallas. (214)826-3888. www.lakewood-bar-and-grill.com

Hotels to Complete the Night

The Adolphus
Heads of state and countless stars have bunked in this historic hotel with its old European feel and modern-day luxury. (Luxury) 1321 Commerce St. Dallas. (214)742-8200. www.hoteladolphus.com

The Stoneleigh Hotel
This landmark hosted many important visitors, some of whom exited through secret passageways and trap doors that guests still love. (Luxury-Deal) 2927 Maple Ave. Dallas. (214)871-7111. www.stoneleighhotel.com

If you think of romancing as a part of the Active Life, check out our 7 Picks for Romance to add to your health and vigor.

[Feature photo courtesy of Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau]

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