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5 Summer Mini-Vacations That Won’t Break The Bank

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UNT chapter.

Want to get away this summer but not go broke trying to do it? Then maybe one of these destinations are right for you!

 

 

 

Broken Bow, OK – For the down to earth collegiettes!

• Sleep:  Being the quiet campy town that it is, Broken Bow offers tons of cute cabins for you to enjoy. They have smaller cabins that give you the opportunity to rough it like true mountaineer or you can opt for a more luxurious cabin for your glamping trip.
• Eat: Despite Broken Bow’s outdoorsy vibe, they still have their share a nice places to eat Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Tap Room, Abendigo’s Grill & Patio, and The Blue Rooster being just a few.
• Shop: Any girls looking for a little bit of fab in the forest should heard over to the Broadway Boutique to check out their southern styles.
• Drink: Adam & Eve’s is a cute little family coffee shop perfect to give you your daily caffeine fix. 
• Play: You can try your luck at Choctaw Casinos or get your wine on at Girls Gone Wine in Hochatown.
• Instagram: Literally anywhere! Broken Bow is filled with gorgeous scenic locations that are perfect for your #NatureSelfie!
 
 
 
Waco, TX – A small town feel in a not so small city.
 
• Sleep: Magnolia Way, the bed and breakfast of the esteemed Chip and Joanna Gaines, is the only way to go! Well not the only way, but the definitely the best way!
• Eat: Eating good in Waco is easy, but a few places that stick out are La Fiesta, What About Cupcakes (because cupcakes are a meal all on their own)and George’s, Brazos Bar & Bistro.
• Shop: Spice Village is a great a collection of shops of all different types of products. From décor to the latest designs, Spice Village has got it covered. Amelia’s Fashion Exchange is also a great place to look if you’re looking to do some ~luxury~ shopping.
• Drink: Common Grounds is a great little hipster coffee shop in town and can no doubt be a gun you and the girls to get together. 
• Play: Magnolia Market and Silos is a MUST! Created by Chip and Joanna Gaines, Magnolia is an interior design mecca; and in the words of the owners themselves, “There’s a little something for everyone at Magnolia Market at the Silos. Shopping, games, the garden and even a bite to eat.” But, for anyone not so into that Cameron Park Zoo is a ton of family friendly fun, too.
• Instagram: Waco also has its fair share of beautiful murals around town that are more than insta ready!
 
 

 

Marfa, TX Where art and science collide.

• Eat: Marfa has tons of great places to grab a bite, but if you’re looking for a celebrity sighting to go with your dinner then Food Shark (where Beyoncé was spotted) and Marfa Burrito(Matthew McConaughey’s Mexican food favorite) are the places to be.
• Shop: Being the artsy capital that it is there’s an art shop on almost every corner.
• Drink: Wake up with Frama (a coffee shop) and turn up at Lost Horse Saloon (a bar).
• Play: If you’re feeling spooky head over to see the Marfa Lights! They are “mysterious glowing orbs that appear in the desert outside the West Texas town of Marfa, have mystified people for generations.” And if youd like to get a little more artsy, Marfa Prada is a permanent art installation replica of a real Prada store by artists Elmgreenand Dragset. People from all over the world, including Beyoncé travel to Marfa just to get a photo with installation.
• Instagram: Anywhere really! The whole town is basically an art piece!
• Sleep: Live the luxury trailer life at El Cosmico. Or try an art deco dream at the Thunderbird hotel.
 
 
 
Texas Hill Country  If you’re feeling a little less millennial and a little more rustic wine mom, then Texas Hill Country is the perfect place for you. 
 
• Eat: Grab some authentic southern BBQ atCooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que.
• Shop: Explore the antique trail through the Hill Country.
• Drink: Grab a drink at Gruene Hall or wine and dine at Fredericksburg Winery.
• Play: Hike the Enchanted Rock, enjoy some live music down in Luckenbach, or swim in Blue Hole.
• Instagram: Get your pose on in the fields and fields of wildflowers and blue bonnets along the countryside.
• Sleep: If leisure if what you’re looking for Gruene Mansion Inn, Tres Lunas ResortDosBrisas have it!

 

 

Dallas, TX – You’re home away from home. 

• Eat: Bishop Arts is a great neighborhood filled to the brim with hipster eateries, Eno’s being one of my favorites and Trinity Groves is a brand new outdoor development with 100% food 100% of the time, not to mention it has a beautiful view of the Dallas skyline. 
• Shop: Shop like a Real Housewife of Dallas in the prestigious Highland Park neighborhood. You might even rub elbows with a few Dallas socialites.
• Drink: Get lit one of Dallas’ designated drinking streets Greenville Ave or visit the Uptown area for a mix of Drinks and Dining. 
• Play: Dallas has no shortage of things to do, but the Arboretum (basically a huge flower zoo), Reunion Tower (the best way to get a full view of the city)the Dallas Zoo, the Dallas Museum of Art (free)the Nasher Sculpture Museum, and the new Perot Museum of Nature and Science are all places that I frequent when I’m back home. 
• Instagram: All of Dallas is picture perfect and ready for your insta pics, but Deep Ellum in particular is absolutely beautiful and excellent for an impromptu photoshoot.
• Sleep: At home, Dallas is (more than likely) close to home so you can save some cashBut, if you’re feelin fancy The Joule Hotel, Hotel Zaza, Belmont, and NYLO Dallas South Side are great luxury locations. But, if you’re feeling a little more frugal then AirBnB might be a better way to go. Dallas has one of the best selections I’ve ever seen.

 

 

Kelly is a junior at the University of North Texas, studying interdisciplinary Studies and Spanish. When not blogging, she enjoys cooking, online shopping, pinteresting up a storm, and exploring both Denton and her hometown of Dallas. You can follow along with her adventures on Instagram or see what's she's pinning lately on Pinterest, she's @kellysredmond on both.
Orooj Syed is a senior at the University of North Texas, majoring in Biology and minoring in Criminal Justice. Between balancing her academics and extracurricular activities, she enjoys finding new places to travel and new foods to eat. Writing has always been one of her greatest passions and, next to sleeping, she considers it a form of free therapy.