One Weekend in Canton, TX: An Outdoorsy Getaway from Dallas
Most people in North Texas know Canton for one thing: First Monday Trade Days, the massive flea market that takes over town one weekend a month. But here’s what most people don’t realize: Canton is a genuinely great outdoorsy weekend getaway even when the trade days aren’t happening.
Think a cute historic downtown, a boutique inn in a 130-year-old building, a surprisingly good disc golf course, a lakeside hike, a family-run vineyard, and one of the best dinners I’ve had in East Texas.
And the best part? It’s only about an hour from Dallas. That means you can leave straight from work on Friday, and you don’t need to burn a single day of PTO to make it happen. That’s my favorite kind of trip.
Here’s exactly how we spent our weekend in Canton, plus a few extra ideas if you have extra time.
Disclaimer: This weekend was sponsored by Shrpa and the City of Canton. All opinions are my own. There may also be affiliate links throughout, which means I earn a small commission if you choose to use my links. I appreciate any and all support!
Table of Contents
Quick Itinerary: A Weekend in Canton
Here’s a quick recap of how to spend your weekend in Canton! For all the links and details, keep reading below!
Friday
- After work — Drive east from Dallas (about an hour)
- Dinner — Burgers and Blue Bell at Dairy Palace
- Check-in — The Dragonfly Inn on the downtown square
Saturday
- Morning — Breakfast at Latham Bakery
- Late morning — Hike at Mill Creek Reservoir
- Midday — Disc golf and pickleball at Cherry Creek Park
- 1:00 pm — Grab pizza to go from Val’s and Wine Tasting at Cannon Creek
- Afternoon — Window shop downtown (antiques, a boutique, and a bookstore)
- Evening — Dinner at Native Son
Sunday
- Pick your adventure — see the “How to Spend Sunday” section below
How to Get to Canton
Canton sits about 60 miles east of Dallas, right off I-20, which makes the drive about as easy as it gets. Just hop on I-20 East, and you’re basically there. Plan on roughly an hour without traffic, though Friday rush hour out of Dallas can stretch that, so pack snacks and a good playlist.
You’ll want a car for this trip. The downtown square is walkable once you’re there, but the reservoir, Cherry Creek Park, and the vineyard are all a short drive out of town. Parking around the square is public and free, so once you check in, you can leave the car parked for the evening.
We left at 6ish from Dallas, it it took us just over an hour (rush hour and all).
Best Time to Visit Canton
Canton is doable year-round, but a few things are worth knowing when you pick your weekend:
- Fall (October–November) and spring (March–May) are the sweet spot. The weather is ideal for hiking, disc golf, and sitting outside at the vineyard. We visited at the end of September, just as the weather started cooling down (it was a LONG and hot summer in Texas). I also loved seeing all the fun and festive fall decor.
- Summer gets seriously hot in East Texas. You can still do this itinerary, but hike and play disc golf first thing in the morning and save the afternoon for shopping and air conditioning.
- Winter is quiet and mild, and Canton leans into the holidays with a lighted Christmas parade in December.
The big decision: trade days weekend or not? If First Monday is the reason you’re going, plan around it and book your stay early. But if you want the relaxed, small-town version of Canton (like we did), pick a weekend that doesn’t line up with trade days. You’ll get easier parking, quieter restaurants, and an easier time booking the inn.
Weekend in Canton: The Full Itinerary
Okaaaay! Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details. This was such a fun (and surprisingly super outdoorsy) weekend trip from Dallas. It was a much needed escape from the big city and the perfect chance to relax, try good food, and explore the small town vibes.
Friday: Dairy Palace + Check In at The Dragonfly Inn
We left shortly after work on Friday and arrived at our first stop around 6:30 pm!
Stop 1: Dinner at Dairy Palace
Start the weekend exactly the way Canton wants you to: at Dairy Palace. This family-owned spot has been a Canton institution since 1984, and it’s the definition of a classic Texas roadside stop — burgers, Tex-Mex, chicken fried steak, and more than 32 flavors of hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream.
The menu is huge, and there are even exotic burger options (elk, anyone?) if you’re feeling adventurous. Whatever you order, save room for ice cream. I had the sunrise burger (of course) and cake batter ice cream!
Stop 2: Check In at The Dragonfly Inn
Then head to the square and check in at The Dragonfly Inn, a boutique inn housed in a building from 1893, right across the street from the historic Van Zandt County Courthouse. It’s been remodeled with farmhouse-chic decor and modern touches like fast Wi-Fi, but it still has all the old-building charm you want from a small-town stay.
A few things to know before you book: the bathrooms are private BUT not in your room; they are just down the hall rather than en suite. It’s also adults and kids 12+ only, and pets aren’t allowed.
Parking is public — you can grab a spot anywhere around the square or in the nearby lots on Dallas St. or Tyler St. The location is unbeatable: you can walk to breakfast, the shops, and dinner, and the First Monday grounds are only a few minutes away on foot.
There was a shared dining/living area, board games, and snacks available! I was a bit worried about the bathroom situation, but it turned out to be no big deal. I would definitely return.
Saturday: Bakery, Trails, Disc Golf, Shopping, Wine + Dinner
Saturday is a busy one! We are about to see everything Canton has to offer.
Stop 1: Breakfast at Latham Bakery
Latham Bakery is next door to The Dragonfly Inn on Buffalo Street, so breakfast is a two-minute walk. They do all-day breakfast (quiche, oatmeal bowls, muffins), specialty coffee drinks, and a big case of cupcakes, tarts, and cake slices that you will absolutely be tempted by at 8am.
I ordered a tea (i’m slightly missing Ireland), breakfast sandwich, and the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had.
Heads up: Saturday hours are shorter than weekdays (they open at 8am), so don’t plan on a late brunch here.
Stop 2: Hike at Mill Creek Reservoir
Walk off that pastry with a hike at Mill Creek Reservoir, just north of downtown. The main loop is about 2.4 miles with less than 100 feet of elevation gain, so it’s an easy, relaxed hike that takes most people under an hour. If you’re short on time, there’s also a shorter half-mile option.
The trail is a mix — part of it is open, mowed field, while the southern loops wind through cedar and hardwood forest along the water. The wooded sections are the best part, so don’t skip them. It’s usually quiet out here, too, which makes it a great morning reset.
You’ll likely see a few fishing boats and people fishing the shore. So, if you have fishing gear, feel free to bring it on this weekend trip!
Stop 3: Disc Golf + Pickleball at Cherry Creek Park
Next up, Cherry Creek Park, and if you play disc golf at all, this one’s a treat. The 18-hole course is free to play, and it’s genuinely well-regarded among disc golfers. The front 9 is fairly open and beginner-friendly, while the back 9 heads into the woods and crosses the creek, getting much more technical. A full round takes about two hours, so play just the front 9 if you want to save time (and energy) for pickleball.
We are very much beginners, so we stuck to the front 9.
The park also has picnic tables, grills, a playground, and a half-mile walking trail if anyone in your group would rather stroll than throw. It would be a good spot for rollerblading!
After disc golf, head just up the road to the tennis courts for a round of pickleball.
Note! You do need to bring your own paddles, balls, and disc golf frisbees to play!
Stop 4: Pizza To Go from Val’s
Before heading out to the vineyard, grab pizza to go from Val’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza, right on the square. It’s a local favorite. Call ahead for pickup so it’s ready when you are.
Stop 5: Wine Tasting at Cannon Creek Vineyard
Then take your pizza about 7 miles south of the square to Cannon Creek Vineyard. This is a small, family-owned vineyard started by Kelly and Steve Cannon, who fell in love with Virginia wine country and eventually bought a Canton property that already had a few acres of vines planted. Today they grow Blanc du Bois and Black Spanish grapes and pour their wines in a converted red metal barn tasting room.
The lineup runs from dry to sweet, so there’s something for everyone. Outside food has been welcome in the past (which is exactly why we brought the pizza), but always double-check before you go.
The tasting room is only open on weekends — Saturday and Sunday, 1–6pm — so plan your day around that.
They offer 2 dollar samples, so we tried a few before deciding on our favorites for a glass on the patio overlooking the vineyard.
Stop 6: Window Shop Downtown
Head back to the square for an afternoon of wandering. Downtown Canton is compact and easy to walk, and we spent our time popping between an antique store, a boutique, and a bookstore. And as always, we spent way too much money (but I bought a vintage cookbook that I’m pumped to try out, new jeans, and some cutesy necklaces!)
Stop 7: Dinner at Native Son
End the night back on the square at Native Son, and trust me, don’t skip this one. Run by Canton native Ryan Sumner and his wife Maxine, it’s their “love letter to East Texas” — Southern, Cajun, and Texan dishes built from family recipes.
Texas Monthly raved about the steamed mussels, the grilled redfish, and the smoked pork chop with cheesy grits, and there’s a full bar with craft cocktails. We tried the Waygu Ribeye and of course the famous Crackins!
Note! It’s typically packed, so make a reservation — especially on a Saturday night. It’s also closed on Mondays. They also have live music most weekends!
How to Spend Sunday in Canton
We packed a lot into Saturday, but if you’ve got a full Sunday before heading back to Dallas (we did not), here are a few good ways to spend it:
- Shop First Monday Trade Days (if your weekend lines up). The market runs Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every month, with thousands of vendors across hundreds of acres. Admission is free, though most lots charge for parking. Sunday tends to wrap up earlier than the rest of the weekend, so go in the morning. (Just know that a trade days weekend also means bigger crowds and pricier, faster-booking lodging — more on that below.)
- Feed the animals at Rocky Ridge Drive-Thru Safari. About 15 minutes south of Canton near Eustace, this self-guided drive-thru safari winds through 200 acres with more than 25 species, and you get to hand-feed them right from your car window. Admission is about $20 for adults and $16 for kids 3–12 (2 and under free), and every ticket comes with a pound of feed — trust me, grab an extra bag for $5. Hours shift with the weather and seasons, so call or check their Facebook page before you go.
- Get up close at Canton Grand Safari Adventure. Want to get out of the car? This independent zoo just outside Canton in Grand Saline is a walk-through park where you can feed animals throughout the grounds and book hands-on encounters with sloths, otters, monkeys, and lemurs. General admission starts around $15, with individual animal encounters priced separately — book those ahead online, since availability depends on the animals. They also run an evening “Safari After Hours” experience if you’d rather go later in the day.
- Spend the day at Purtis Creek State Park. About 30–40 minutes southwest of Canton near Eustace, this park is built around a 355-acre lake with a no-wake policy, so it’s calm and quiet. There are 14+ miles of trails, kayak rentals, swimming in a designated area, and catch-and-release bass fishing with no license needed. Day use is $5 per person (13+).
- Play a round at Van Zandt Country Club. Don’t let the “country club” name fool you — non-members are welcome to play. This 18-hole, par-72 course sits right off I-20 on the edge of town and has been around since 1966, with Bermuda grass and about 6,760 yards from the back tees. Weekend green fees for non-members run about $90, plus $25 for a cart, and there’s a $50 twilight rate after 5pm if you’d rather squeeze in a round before the drive home. Book a tee time online or call ahead, and note the course is closed on Mondays.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Book The Dragonfly Inn early, especially if you’re visiting during a First Monday weekend.
- Make a dinner reservation at Native Son. It fills up.
- Plan around vineyard hours. Cannon Creek is only open Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
- Bring your own discs and paddles for Cherry Creek Park.
- Check hours before you go. Several spots have shorter weekend hours or close on Mondays, and small-town hours can change.
- Wear good shoes. Between the hike, disc golf, and walking the square, you’ll rack up the steps. My Vessi Weekends were a good pick!
FAQ’s: Weekend Trip to Canton
- How far is Canton from Dallas? About 60 miles east on I-20 — roughly an hour’s drive, which makes it an easy Friday-after-work getaway.
- Is Canton worth visiting when First Monday Trade Days isn’t happening? Yes! That’s exactly when we went. Between the historic square, the trails, disc golf, the vineyard, and a great dinner scene, there’s plenty to fill a weekend.
- When is First Monday Trade Days? Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of each month, year-round.
- Where should I stay in Canton? We loved The Dragonfly Inn for its walkable location on the square. Just note the separate bathrooms and the 12+ age policy.
- Is this itinerary kid-friendly? Mostly — the hike, disc golf, pickleball, and Dairy Palace are all great for families. Just know The Dragonfly Inn doesn’t allow kids under 12, and the wine tasting is best for adults.
- Do I need to take PTO for this trip? Nope! Leave after work Friday, and you’ll be home Sunday evening — no vacation days needed.
One hour from Dallas, one weekend, zero PTO — Canton is proof you don’t need a plane ticket to get away. Save this one for your next free weekend (and come follow along on Insta to see all the weekend trips in action!)
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