Lighten Up in Dallas

Combine fitness, retail therapy, and culture all in one at NorthPark Center―an upscale mall with works of contemporary art on display. Download a walking map online that plots a 3-mile loop.

8687 North Central Expressway; northparkcenter.com

Try the fresh Asian-fusion cuisine at Shinsei. Owners Lynae Fearing and Tracy Rathbun have famous Dallas chefs as husbands, but healthful dishes like the Sake Poached Prawn Spring Rolls are putting these women on the map.

7713 Inwood Road;
shinseirestaurant.com or 214-352-0005

Experience vinyasa yoga through the Music Yoga Flow class at exhale spa. No laid-back stretching here―this class combines hip-hop music and a heated room with athletic, high-energy poses for a fat-burning workout.

5300 East Mockingbird Lane;
exhalespa.com or 214-370-5800

Support local farmers by shopping at Central Market―a Texas-based grocery store known for its fresh produce, meats, fish, and heart-healthy wine selection.

5750 East Lovers Lane;
centralmarket.com or 214-234-7000

Treat yourself to a facial at the Renée Rouleau Skin Spa; the owner is a celeb-favorite aesthetician. Try the Cranberry-Brasion Facial to help clear pores.

1722 Routh Street, Suite 113;
reneerouleau.com or 214-735-4364

Some say the frozen margarita was invented in Dallas―it's the city's signature drink. An average 12-ounce glass can contain as many as 700 calories, so stick to one and enjoy.

Our Pick: The Mambo Taxi (pictured), a swirly blend of frozen margarita and sangría at Mi Cocina in Dallas.

Where to Stay
Hotel Palomar―This hip hotel has posh rooms and is centrally located next to the tony Highland Park neighborhood. Even better―guests get a pass for a free yoga class at exhale spa beside the hotel. 5300 East Mockingbird Lane; hotelpalomar-dallas.com or 888-253-9030

Cooper Guest Lodge―Part of the famed Cooper Aerobics Center, the best part of this boutique hotel is that guests have full use of the Fitness Center, including more than 70 group exercise classes and the pool, tennis courts, and track. 12230 Preston Road; cooperaerobics.com or 800-444-5187

When To Visit
You won't find snow, but the temperate December weather makes visiting now ideal. With pro sports in full swing, buy tickets and catch the Dallas Cowboys, Stars, or Mavericks.

Pack them in your suitcase or order them online―these healthy products bring the best of Big D home.

Dallas Duo Cheese Sampler (left)
Try the low-salt varieties of handcrafted mozzarella and goat cheese at the Mozzarella Company. $77 (shipping included); mozzco.com or 800-798-2954

Triple Berry Smoothing Peel (right)
Re-create a Renée Rouleau Skin Spa facial at home with this exfoliating peel. It's paraben-free and contains antioxidant-rich berries for fresh and dewy-feeling skin. $85.50 (1.7 ounces); reneerouleau.com or 888-211-7560

Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.