By JT Cooper, Team GAMMA Brand Ambassador |
Unique Food Options
This is our first installation of Tournament Towns, which will be a continuing blog series where we explore some of the fun things to do in and/or around the cities hosting some of the biggest pickleball events!
Pickleball tournaments… they are growing in popularity and size across the United States. From participating in them, spectating, or going just to be fully enthralled in the world of pickleball, they are a blast. With more and more of the larger tournaments lasting days to even a week, there is plenty of time to get your fill of pickleball! But let’s not forget, there’s also a ton of fun, exciting, and mouth-watering things to do outside of the venue.
For this month, we will be focused on the Texas Open played from 9/30/20 – 10/6/20 in Rockwall, TX at the Oasis Beach and Tennis Club. Last year's event was at the Wagon Wheel Tennis Center in Coppell, TX and had 687 registered players! So regardless of if you are a new or a returning pickleballer, we can explore some of the local places to visit.
Weather
While the weather in Texas can be unpredictable, here is what to expected on average per the climatological report. The average high over the 7 days in Dallas, TX is 82.3° with the average low of 71.7°. The average amount of precipitation per day is 0.095”.
Local Attractions near Rockwall, Texas
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Lake Ray Hubbard: This lake is a 22,745-acre lake just east of Dallas and Rockwall is on the eastern side of the lake. If you are an avid fisherman, the lake offers a great place to fish for Largemouth and White Bass along with Crappie. You can also enjoy skiing, cruising, or relaxing on the lake, if you have a boat of course!
- Golf: There are several golf courses in the Rockwall, TX area. So, if you are a golfer, bring your clubs!
- Flea Market: If you are into Flea Markets, you can take about a 1-hour drive to Canton, TX to Canton First Monday. This is the oldest, continually operating flea market in the USA! It spans 450-acres and attracts up to 7,00 vendors! If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, or just a bargain, you can check this place out!
- Dallas: Dallas, TX is only about a 30-minute drive from Rockwall. Some of the top attractions include, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza that Chronicles the life, death, and legacy of former president John F. Kennedy. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are an extremely popular attraction as well! However, if you have little ones you may want to check out the Perot Museum of Nature and Science or The Dallas World Aquarium!
Food and Dining Options
Ok y’all, it is time to rustle up some grub but where are the best places to go?! Here a few top-rated places along with some local favorites:- Zanata: Zanata seems to be a local favorite in Rockwall. Their most popular dish is the wood oven pizza although the do have other dishes along with a bar.
- Saltgrass Steakhouse: If you are looking for a good steak in Rockwell, this is likely the spot for you. They receive many great reviews for their steaks and prime rib. They are also open for lunch and dinner.
- Gloria’s Latin Cuisine: If you are looking for some latin cuisine, including enchiladas, tex-mex and more, then look no further. Another one if the highest rated restaurants in the city serving everything from Salmon to Plantains!
- Rise: Among the top-rated places in Dallas, Rise is at the top of the board. This French restaurant is a favorite with soufflé being the main attraction, but the entrees are highly talked about as well!
- Pappas Bros. Steakhouse: If you love steak, then you will not want to leave without going to Pappas Bros. This steakhouse is rated one of the top 5 steaks in America by Food Network! So, if you are looking for the best steak in Texas, this could be it!
Unique Food Options
- Meddlesome Moth: Known as a gastropub, this local favorite creates a unique experience with plenty of items for someone who is looking to try something new. Meddlesome Moth has a tapas styled menu, including beef marrow bones and Nashville hot devils, as well as a large selection of beers on their Beer Wall. This restaurant is also opened for both lunch and brunch.
- HG Sply Co.: This restaurant overlooks the Trinity River in Dallas with a spectacular view of the city you can see with their rooftop seating. They offer wide range of American cuisine options, including burgers/sandwiches, salads, and build-your-own bowls.
This is our first installation of Tournament Towns, which will be a continuing blog series where we explore some of the fun things to do in and/or around the cities hosting some of the biggest pickleball events!