Summer’s almost over, but you’d hardly know it by the weather. When the temperature soars, you can hunker indoors. Or you can brave the heat just a little and find those cool spots to chill out. Enjoy the home stretch of summer by taking the coolest ride in town – that’s DART, of course – to these hot spots on our cool list.

1. Cold beers and cool cocktails 

If hot weather makes you thirsty, DART can help you get refreshment in no time. Baylor University Medical Center Station, serving Deep Ellum, puts you in walking distance of lots of options. But it’s hard to go wrong with a place called the Cold Beer Company, located at the corner of Main Street and Exposition Avenue. The beer is ice-cold, the food’s good, and the atmosphere is chill. There’s a great patio, too, if you want to enjoy your drinks under the summer sun.

Addison Circle is a pretty good bet, too. The vibrant, walkable neighborhood boasts several restaurant and bar options. Tequila fans are directed to El Rincon Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, which offers an impressive selection of  specialty drinks along with several types of margaritas and cocktails. Some of their featured cocktails include their signature Mangonada and Ranch Water. Go for the flight if you can’t make up your mind.

2. We all scream for ice cream

Nothing screams summer like ice cream. Get some unique local flavor along with your sugar fix at Pokey O’s, where ice cream sandwiches made with fresh-baked cookies and Blue Bell is their specialty.  The shop is next to SMU’s Ford Stadium which is a short ride on Bus Route 521 across Central Expressway from SMU/Mockingbird Station.

Or head over to Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream in Plano. They make a fresh batch fresh daily – which is why their scoops and sundaes claim a devoted following. Dig into a rotation of creative concoctions, such as ginger ice cream or a dirt sundae (complete with cookie dirt and gummy worms). The store is right on Bus Route 452, departing from Parker Road Station – get off at Independence Parkway.

3. Districts to explore

Browsing boutiques and bistros in an old-school, walkable neighborhood is a nostalgic experience. Add to it by taking a streetcar. The Dallas Streetcar takes you from downtown Dallas’ Union Station to the Bishop Arts District, which is packed with one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, restaurants and nightlife. The 1920s neighborhood has charm to spare; if the cool factor isn’t enough, hit Picolé Pop for an artisanal popsicle or some other frosty treat. You’ll find similar offerings in an old-meets-new atmosphere when you take the M-Line Trolley into the heart of Uptown. In Dallas’ densest district, vintage and modern mix it up, and everything is stone-cold chic.

4. Soak up some cinema

Take a break from the heat and cool down by watching a movie. The Angelika Film Center at SMU/Mockingbird Station features independent and art films, plus old favorites that are best seen on the big screen. Or head to the Alamo Drafthouse in The Cedars neighborhood, located near Convention Center Station. Grab a drink at the Vetted Well, the attached theater bar.

The Plaza Theatre near Downtown Garland Station is a multiuse space, but the art deco gem periodically screens free movies with concessions at very cool price. Check listings for the freebies – they’re almost always classics.

5. Treat yourself like a queen (or king)

Sometimes a little indulgence hits the spot. For some proper pampering, check out Spa Habitat, located three blocks from Downtown Plano Station. This organic spa and apothecary specializes in natural products and offers a full range of spa services in a quaint historic house.

More relaxation awaits near Downtown Carrollton Station. Whether you go for a new ’do, a or a massage, DFW Massage and Beauty provides a calming oasis in Carrollton’s quaint historic downtown.

Summer’s almost over, but you’d hardly know it by the weather. When the temperature soars, you can hunker indoors. Or you can brave the heat just a little and find those cool spots to chill out. Enjoy the home stretch of summer by taking the coolest ride in town – that’s DART, of course – to these hot spots on our cool list.

1. Cold beers and cool cocktails 

If hot weather makes you thirsty, DART can help you get refreshment in no time. Baylor University Medical Center Station, serving Deep Ellum, puts you in walking distance of lots of options. But it’s hard to go wrong with a place called the Cold Beer Company, located at the corner of Main Street and Exposition Avenue. The beer is ice-cold, the food’s good, and the atmosphere is chill. There’s a great patio, too, if you want to enjoy your drinks under the summer sun.

Addison Circle is a pretty good bet, too. The vibrant, walkable neighborhood boasts several restaurant and bar options. Tequila fans are directed to El Rincon Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, which offers an impressive selection of  specialty drinks along with several types of margaritas and cocktails. Some of their featured cocktails include their signature Mangonada and Ranch Water. Go for the flight if you can’t make up your mind.

2. We all scream for ice cream

Nothing screams summer like ice cream. Get some unique local flavor along with your sugar fix at Pokey O’s, where ice cream sandwiches made with fresh-baked cookies and Blue Bell is their specialty.  The shop is next to SMU’s Ford Stadium which is a short ride on Bus Route 521 across Central Expressway from SMU/Mockingbird Station.

Or head over to Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream in Plano. They make a fresh batch fresh daily – which is why their scoops and sundaes claim a devoted following. Dig into a rotation of creative concoctions, such as ginger ice cream or a dirt sundae (complete with cookie dirt and gummy worms). The store is right on Bus Route 452, departing from Parker Road Station – get off at Independence Parkway.

3. Districts to explore

Browsing boutiques and bistros in an old-school, walkable neighborhood is a nostalgic experience. Add to it by taking a streetcar. The Dallas Streetcar takes you from downtown Dallas’ Union Station to the Bishop Arts District, which is packed with one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, restaurants and nightlife. The 1920s neighborhood has charm to spare; if the cool factor isn’t enough, hit Picolé Pop for an artisanal popsicle or some other frosty treat. You’ll find similar offerings in an old-meets-new atmosphere when you take the M-Line Trolley into the heart of Uptown. In Dallas’ densest district, vintage and modern mix it up, and everything is stone-cold chic.

4. Soak up some cinema

Take a break from the heat and cool down by watching a movie. The Angelika Film Center at SMU/Mockingbird Station features independent and art films, plus old favorites that are best seen on the big screen. Or head to the Alamo Drafthouse in The Cedars neighborhood, located near Convention Center Station. Grab a drink at the Vetted Well, the attached theater bar.

The Plaza Theatre near Downtown Garland Station is a multiuse space, but the art deco gem periodically screens free movies with concessions at very cool price. Check listings for the freebies – they’re almost always classics.

5. Treat yourself like a queen (or king)

Sometimes a little indulgence hits the spot. For some proper pampering, check out Spa Habitat, located three blocks from Downtown Plano Station. This organic spa and apothecary specializes in natural products and offers a full range of spa services in a quaint historic house.

More relaxation awaits near Downtown Carrollton Station. Whether you go for a new ’do, a or a massage, DFW Massage and Beauty provides a calming oasis in Carrollton’s quaint historic downtown.

Summer’s almost over, but you’d hardly know it by the weather. When the temperature soars, you can hunker indoors. Or you can brave the heat just a little and find those cool spots to chill out. Enjoy the home stretch of summer by taking the coolest ride in town – that’s DART, of course – to these hot spots on our cool list.

1. Cold beers and cool cocktails 

If hot weather makes you thirsty, DART can help you get refreshment in no time. Baylor University Medical Center Station, serving Deep Ellum, puts you in walking distance of lots of options. But it’s hard to go wrong with a place called the Cold Beer Company, located at the corner of Main Street and Exposition Avenue. The beer is ice-cold, the food’s good, and the atmosphere is chill. There’s a great patio, too, if you want to enjoy your drinks under the summer sun.

Addison Circle is a pretty good bet, too. The vibrant, walkable neighborhood boasts several restaurant and bar options. Tequila fans are directed to El Rincon Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, which offers an impressive selection of  specialty drinks along with several types of margaritas and cocktails. Some of their featured cocktails include their signature Mangonada and Ranch Water. Go for the flight if you can’t make up your mind.

2. We all scream for ice cream

Nothing screams summer like ice cream. Get some unique local flavor along with your sugar fix at Pokey O’s, where ice cream sandwiches made with fresh-baked cookies and Blue Bell is their specialty.  The shop is next to SMU’s Ford Stadium which is a short ride on Bus Route 521 across Central Expressway from SMU/Mockingbird Station.

Or head over to Henry’s Homemade Ice Cream in Plano. They make a fresh batch fresh daily – which is why their scoops and sundaes claim a devoted following. Dig into a rotation of creative concoctions, such as ginger ice cream or a dirt sundae (complete with cookie dirt and gummy worms). The store is right on Bus Route 452, departing from Parker Road Station – get off at Independence Parkway.

3. Districts to explore

Browsing boutiques and bistros in an old-school, walkable neighborhood is a nostalgic experience. Add to it by taking a streetcar. The Dallas Streetcar takes you from downtown Dallas’ Union Station to the Bishop Arts District, which is packed with one-of-a-kind shops, galleries, restaurants and nightlife. The 1920s neighborhood has charm to spare; if the cool factor isn’t enough, hit Picolé Pop for an artisanal popsicle or some other frosty treat. You’ll find similar offerings in an old-meets-new atmosphere when you take the M-Line Trolley into the heart of Uptown. In Dallas’ densest district, vintage and modern mix it up, and everything is stone-cold chic.

4. Soak up some cinema

Take a break from the heat and cool down by watching a movie. The Angelika Film Center at SMU/Mockingbird Station features independent and art films, plus old favorites that are best seen on the big screen. Or head to the Alamo Drafthouse in The Cedars neighborhood, located near Convention Center Station. Grab a drink at the Vetted Well, the attached theater bar.

The Plaza Theatre near Downtown Garland Station is a multiuse space, but the art deco gem periodically screens free movies with concessions at very cool price. Check listings for the freebies – they’re almost always classics.

5. Treat yourself like a queen (or king)

Sometimes a little indulgence hits the spot. For some proper pampering, check out Spa Habitat, located three blocks from Downtown Plano Station. This organic spa and apothecary specializes in natural products and offers a full range of spa services in a quaint historic house.

More relaxation awaits near Downtown Carrollton Station. Whether you go for a new ’do, a or a massage, DFW Massage and Beauty provides a calming oasis in Carrollton’s quaint historic downtown.