Self-Care for Nature Lovers

There’s no doubt that running your own practice can be a deeply stressful and demanding undertaking. Without the right work-life balance, you can quickly find yourself in over your head. Visiting nature is an excellent way to take in some self-care and revitalize your mind, body, and soul. Here are some superb nature getaways a stone’s throw from Dallas that are well worth taking a day off to see.

Turner Falls Park: Davis, Oklahoma

Turner Falls Park is a gorgeous area covering 1,500 acres of natural beauty. You’ll find a variety of outdoor activities and wonders, including Oklahoma’s largest waterfall. The roughly two-hour drive from Dallas is well worth the trip.

A variety of trails wind through the woods. You’ll find several cabins and camping sites available if you’re planning a longer stay. There are pavilions that are perfect for celebrating family occasions of any kind. Spending time surrounded by nature can do wonders for your stress levels.

During the summer season, you can swim in the clear natural water at the base of Turner Falls. If you’re interested in local history, you can visit the castle, which was built on the land in 1930. While no longer serving as a residence, the park maintains safe access to the sprawling structure.

Fall Creek Vineyards: Driftwood, Texas

If you’re looking to take in a refined experience in a natural setting, then Fall Creek Vineyards is something you shouldn’t miss. About three and a half hours from Dallas, the beautiful vineyards offer one of the most incredible nature getaways in the region.

The stunning estate is open seven days a week and offers overnight accommodations. You can take advantage of the table-side service for an optimal wine-tasting experience. Relax and enjoy yourself—a little self-care can go a long way.

Along with their routine wine tastings, the vineyards also host various special events. The pizza and wine date night is one example, with local specialty pizza from Hays City Store. They’ve also been known to host some excellent local music events.

Dinosaur Valley State Park: Glen Rose, Texas

Just an hour and a half from Dallas, you’ll find Dinosaur Valley State Park—one of the most unique outdoor adventures around. With more than 20 miles of trails, plenty of swimming opportunities, and ranger-led tours, there’s plenty to enjoy. There are fishing opportunities as well for anglers of any experience level.

The star attraction of the park is the riverbed, spotted with actual dinosaur footprints. Left long ago, these prints have hardened into stone and are truly something to behold. You can also find impressive dinosaur models from the 1964 World’s Fair.

The park is also home to all kinds of wildlife that are still with us today. White-tailed deer and armadillos roam throughout the park, along with a wide range of beautiful songbirds.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park: Mineral Wells, Texas

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway makes for an excellent day trip, just an hour and a half from Dallas. You’ll never run out of outdoor activities with camping, hiking, biking, rock climbing, swimming, fishing, boating, and more. The park also features an amphitheater and a group hall for booked gatherings.

There are over 31 miles of hiking trails, with suitable options for both beginner and seasoned hikers. Out of those trails, 25 miles are open to both bicycles and horses. If you’re interested in staying for a while, there are campsites available adjacent to the lake and in other areas of the park.

The Mineral Wells Trailway, in particular, offers a smooth and calming hike through nature, having been built on a reclaimed railroad bed featuring multiple modified bridges. There are six fishing piers around the 640-acre lake, with plenty of access to catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass. A fishing license is not required within the park.

The Importance of Self-Care and Time Off in Nature

Whether you’re looking for something calming or invigorating, there is no lack of outdoor opportunities close to Plano, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Whether you choose to make your adventure a full weekend experience or a quick day trip, it’s important to take time for self-care.

As a dentist, you have plenty of people who rely on you. Your patients and your team need you to be at your best, and of course your family and friends want to see you happy as well. While it might seem challenging to work outdoor escapes into your schedule, they can do wonders for your overall mental and physical well-being.

Don’t let running your practice dominate your life.

Taking time off and looking after yourself is essential for both your personal life and your career. Hopefully, some of these nature getaways fit that prescription perfectly. Of course, how you handle your practice also plays an important role in your work-life balance. Consider a partnership with EndoConnect to handle specialized endodontics for your practice. Find out more about how our program works today.