Mother Hoods: Dallas, TX
Written by James Kicinski-McCoy
Photography by Photographed By Kelly Christine
There’s a certain feeling that the South elicits—often humble and warmly welcoming, with a specific pride for its cities. Dallas, Texas is no exception. If you’ve ever longed to visit The Lone Star State, there’s no time like the present. Allow the beauty-loving VP of Marketing, D-town transplant, and mama to Elle, 2, Mimi Slater to serve as your guide. Below, she gives all the insider tips and tricks to eat, drink, and shop your way through the city.
Where are your favorite places in Dallas to…
1. Eat with the kids? “There are so many kid-friendly places in Dallas. We love having brunch outside at Taverna—definitely order the beignets. True Food and Flower Child are both quick, casual, and healthy. True Food’s children’s menu has options that even I would order, and I almost always have the Thai Dye wrap from Flower Child. José has a fun outdoor seating space that we love, and their margaritas are amazing. Hudson House is also fun for happy hour with kids.”
2. Eat with just adults? “Our go-to is Neighborhood Services. They serve great, classic American food and the atmosphere is relaxed, while still feeling like a nice date night. We also love to eat at the bar at Sachet or Up On Knox. Sachet’s wine list is really unique and well-curated. Bolsa is also a charming, locally-sourced restaurant in an old industrial building with great patio. It’s fun to get out in a different neighborhood every once in a while.”
3. Shop for kids? “Layette and Hip Hip Hooray have really special, classic kids clothes. Madre is a go-to for gifts, and The Tot Playhouse on Lovers Lane stocks all the best gear and mealtime accessories.”
4. Shop for yourself? “For clothes, Canary and Forty Five Ten have an amazing edit of hard-to-find designers. Cabana has a great assortment of everyday clothes from designers like Warm NY, Demylee, and Tanya Taylor. For beauty, stop by the new Cos Bar in the Plaza at Preston Center. It showcases our new interior design and has a thoughtfully curated selection of brands like Tom Ford, Sisley-Paris, Clé de Peau, and Tata Harper. I’m so happy to finally have one here in my neighborhood, as the customer service and brands are really unparalleled. For home goods and hostess gifts, Rutherford’s and Madison carry a more traditional variety, and Grange Hall is fun for more trend pieces. They carry a classic selection of Astier de Villatte porcelain and tons of one-off decor. Blueprint has amazing fine furniture and art, and some good giftables too.”
5. Play with your child? “We walk to Westminster Church playground. Elle also loves feeding the ducks at Lakeside Park or Curtis Park.”
6. Play with your adult friends? “I love stopping into Royal Blue for coffee. It’s an easy spot for a no-fuss catch-up with friends. If I have a work breakfast, Sassetta’s menu is perfect, and the nearby Design District’s influence is definitely reflected in the chic interior. For a business lunch, the food and atmosphere at Fearings are my favorite. Their tortilla soup is the best I’ve had, and their ever-changing vegetarian menu always has delicious, new options. Grange Hall or Mirador at Forty Five Ten are both go-to’s for a girls’ lunch. For a night out, we like to grab drinks at Honor Bar outside before dinner, or check out The Mansion after dinner for people watching. For a very divey nightcap, end the night at Inwood Tavern.”
7. Get out in nature? “We take walks along the Katy Trail, followed by playtime at Abbott Park playground. I also recommend packing treats and a blanket for a picnic on White Rock Lake at the Arboretum, or stroll through Nasher Sculpture Center. It’s fun for both kids and adults. Water ‘parks’ are also a must to beat the heat in Dallas. They’re basically just fountains that the kids run through, but they do the trick! Our favorites are at the Arboretum, Perot Museum, and Klyde Warren Park.”
8. Any good flea markets/thrift shops? “Vinya has amazing high-end antique furniture on consignment. I always find something I love there. I could pick through the racks for hours at Dolly Python, a quirky vintage clothing and antique shop. While it might take you a while to find something good, you can really strike gold here if you’re patient. Also, there’s always The Farmers Market downtown, or the one at St. Michael’s Church.”
9. Any good museums/art installations? “The DMA has some great exhibits. The Perot Museum’s Moody Family Museum in their lower level is amazing for little kids, with a sandbox, play area, and arts and crafts.”
10. Where do you take out-of-town visitors? “The Rustic or Truck Yard for day drinking and live music are both great options. In the evening, casual drinks, dinner, and music in Deep Ellum, or walk around and window shop in Bishop Arts followed by dinner at Bolsa. For very casual, but authentic barbecue, try Lockhart Smoke House. For anyone interested in art and furniture, you can spend an entire day in the Design District. Jean de Merry and Ceylon et Cie are two of my favorites.”
11. Any tourist-y places that are worth it to visit? “Definitely a Cowboys game.”
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