Have one day to kill time in Dallas, TX. Ideas?

You guys are always good with this stuff.  Usually I try to research it myself, but I've been so ridiculously busy I haven't even had time.  Heading to Dallas on Monday for a work conference.  It doesn't start until Tuesday and I've got an early Monday flight, so I'll have most of Monday to myself.  Certainly finding a place to camp out and get on wifi to work is in the mix, but if I wanted to do something interesting what suggestions do you have?  Oh, I don't drink, so alcohol related stuff isn't for me.

When I was there for a conference, I was pretty shocked at how little "fun" there was there. I didn't have a ton of free time and I didn't post here, but I remember thinking it was like a gigantic suburb where you never got to the fun part. 

I got on yelp and found some good BBQ and Mexican. If I had a free day, I'd probably find a museum and/or an indoor racing facility. Hopefully some natives will prove me wrong and point you in the "fun" direction. Maybe there is a rodeo in town?

There's always Craigslist for an ill-advised last minute fly n drive. Bonus if you can use the company card and claim it as an expense. 

Yeah.  In the late '90s I spent probably 6+ weeks total in Dallas, but since that was more than 20 years ago I'm sure things have changed.  I was also there last year, but literally went from airport to hotel and back to airport, no exploring at all.  Hence why I'm asking for ideas.  Back in the '90s it was OK, but I was usually with a group so wound up doing group activities. 

I should also add that I've got a Mercedes C class type car reserved, so hopefully it'll be something nice.  Add that to the fact that I love to drive and I'd be open for suggestions on places 60-90 minutes away from DFW and/or a fun/scenic multi-hour drive route.

Drive to fort Worth and see the stockyards.

Back when I was doing a lot of business travel, the TV Show Diners, Drive-in and Dives was popular.  I would often find one of these recommendations in a town.  That can also give you a potential drive to "the other side of town" which lets you check out the town also.  

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives listed by state with links to the original episode. 

So, in summary, I would probably just make some plans for a unique lunch and just enjoy the sites of getting to the place.  

Dallas native here - I wouldn't say it's boring here - lots of cool stuff downtown, and as John Welsh alluded to, food is a big deal down here.

Check out  the 6th Floor Museum and the JFK Memorial Plaza downtown if you have time. 

The Bishop Arts District (Oak Cliff; go during the day, don't stay much past sunset) has great food options, and some cool shops. 

Northpark Mall is where the fancy people (and the faux millionaires) shop. 

If you like barbeque, check out Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum. In fact, check out Deep Ellum in general.

If you like historical homes, Swiss Avenue has some nice examples. Just south of there is the Munger Place Historic District with a great selection of Victorian homes. There's also a lot of cool MCM architecture around White Rock Lake. The Dallas Arboretum is there too. 

You could check out Reunion Tower; there's an observation deck, bar, and restaurant (not cheap). 

We love the Dallas World Aquarium, it's worth a visit too. 

I'll add more as I think of it. 

I'm here right now. The Mercedes is probably a CLA250. I had the same car last trip. The volvo SUV I have this time is much better. 

Things to do....Find some really good BBQ. Not sure where you are staying but there are a good amount of options. 

Catch a ball game if you don't mind staying in the heat. 

There are some interesting classic car/hot rod shops to window shop here as well. 

Be ready for some heat. summer really has hit. 96 degrees today. 

You didn't list your interests, but when I drove through Dallas I made a stop at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. It was awesome.

I'd hit up the bass pro shops just to see something Texan, then eat some Mexican at Esparza's in Grapevine.

We’ve gone this far without mentioning Richard Rawlings?

Thanks guys. Yeah, I probably should have put more about my interests.  I don't mind history and culture things, but I'm not really deep into arts or museums. I would love to go to a Texas Rangers game, but I already checked and they are out of town.  If there was a cool park to walk around and see sights I would be interested in that.  If there is a cool car museum that would be an option. I would have interest in "Texas western" type things.  Aquarium could be an option.  Or like I said, if somebody knows a really cool and fun drive to take I would be up for that.

obviously, I will need to find places to eat. However, I'm not really what you would call a foodie so I'm not too worried if I don't get to the best places to eat. If somebody knows a great pulled pork BBQ joint, that would be my sweet spot.

No worries about the heat, I live in Atlanta.  plus, I am spending tomorrow afternoon through Sunday in Central Florida so Dallas might feel like a relief.

Well, if the President is in town, don't go near the book repository....

Lockhart’s BBQ in the Bishop Arts District. Get sone brisket. 

Are you a food guy?  There are tons of affordable great eats.  Name what you like and what part of town you’ll be in. 

Also lots of great gear head stuff including Ruff store.

The craziest go kart racing ever https://www.dallaskartingcomplex.com.

Fun shooting range http://www.elmfork.com.

A bit touristy but very cool the https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g55711-d106016-Reviews-The_Sixth_Floor_Museum_at_Dealey_Plaza-Dallas_Texas.htmlDealy Plaza museum.

The Perot museum is great http://perot museum.

the Nash sculpture museum is cool http://www.nashersculpturecenter.org/mobile.

I was in Dallas this week for work and had this c300,  so let me know if you end up with my ex rental.  Nice little car.  Honestly,  I’ve never found much to do in Dallas either.

All the fun stuff is in Fort Worth, all Dallas is is traffic.

I moved from Dallas and can hardly make myself go back for any reason.  Well except for my grand daughter, that makes me go back.

Make a short drive to Red Oak and visit DF Kit Car.

The Goblin is crazy fast and actually made me sick to my stomach the acceleration was so fast.  I visited in Feb.

http://www.dfkitcar.com/index.php

84FSP said:

Are you a good guy?  There are tons of affordable great eats.  Name what you like and what part of town you’ll be in. 

Also lots of great gear head stuff including Ruff store.

The craziest go kart racing ever https://www.dallaskartingcomplex.com.

My conference is in Frisco, but since I've got a rental car and corporate card (at least for the food), I can go anywhere.  As for food, the only red meat I eat is ground beef.  Ideally I'd want to find good pulled pork BBQ or a really good burger. 

Cotton, I'll let you know what I get.  The rental company I'm using is Sixt.  I've used them before and been quite happy.  Last time they gave me a Volvo S60.

Some good ideas, thanks guys!!  Jake, does DF Kit Car let you just show up and give you a tour?  That could be fun to do.

CTC Auto Ranch in Denton is worth a crawl.  The drive up will take you past my favorite exit sign.

In reply to thewheelman :

"Keep your money in your sock in Deep Elum"

Klayfish said:

84FSP said:

Are you a good guy?  There are tons of affordable great eats.  Name what you like and what part of town you’ll be in. 

Also lots of great gear head stuff including Ruff store.

The craziest go kart racing ever https://www.dallaskartingcomplex.com.

My conference is in Frisco, but since I've got a rental car and corporate card (at least for the food), I can go anywhere.  As for food, the only red meat I eat is ground beef.  Ideally I'd want to find good pulled pork BBQ or a really good burger. 

Cotton, I'll let you know what I get.  The rental company I'm using is Sixt.  I've used them before and been quite happy.  Last time they gave me a Volvo S60.

Some good ideas, thanks guys!!  Jake, does DF Kit Car let you just show up and give you a tour?  That could be fun to do.

I live and work near Downtown Roanoke on the far north side of Ft Worth. Happy to show you good BBQ/Tex Mex. 

also have a free bring a friend for six flags over texas that I can use with my season pass and they're open evenings for next week. 

K1 karting in Richardson is a good bit closer to you than DKC. 

In reply to Klayfish :

I let the guys at DF Kit Car know I was coming in advance.  They are nice guys.  Not much to tour - just some metal buildings in a backyard.