"Born of an idea hatched in a Dallas dive bar, this brand has grown from a one-woman artisan chocolate outfit (with sweets made for private clients and peddled at farmers' markets) into a small kitchen/storefront in the Bishop Arts District to, now, four shops, several retail outlets (including Whole Foods), and dessert-consulting gigs with major restaurant chains. The success can be attributed to co-founder/noted pastry chef Katherine Clapner’s dedication to quality, and to her commitment to keeping it simple:Without bows, ribbons, or showy packaging, the chocolate speaks for itself. And then there are the flavors, from sweet-and-savory mixes like blue cheese and sea-salt fudge and porcini mushroom and pumpkin-seed toffee, to creamy truffles made with 12-year-old Macallan whiskey and sloe gin, dark chocolate bark with fruits and fenugreek, Valrhona-covered marshmallow puffs, rich hot chocolates, and much more. The staff is happy to let you sample away."

"One of Dallas’s earliest neighborhoods, this formerly industrial area just east of downtown has a long history as an entertainment hub, from its days as a hotbed of blues and jazz clubs in the 1920s, to the 1980s, when local bands like the New Bohemians, Butthole Surfers, and Old 97's were launched from its clubs. Today, the area is not quite as counterculture as in the past, but it’s still got an indie steak, with vibrant street murals and public art providing the backdrop for a host of independent galleries, shops, bars, breweries, cafés, tattoo studios, and over 60 restaurants and 30 live music venues. Among the most iconic music spots are Club Dada and Trees, both of which have been revamped in recent years, as well as The Door, the Prophet Bar, jazz/blues favorite the Free Man, and the century-old Sons of Hermann Hall. As it has grown, the area has also become more family friendly, particularly during events like the annual Deep Ellum Arts Festival, which features stalls from around 200 juried visual artists, and five stages hosting 100 musical acts."

"The Epitome of the Dallas Shopping Scene When Texans think about shopping on a grand scale, they think of Galleria Dallas . The expansive, multi-level retail hub is shopaholic central, with more than 200 stores and restaurants ranging from budget-chic shop H&M to Nordstrom. Go for a spin on the ice rink, then rest your feet and dive into a Mambo Taxi at Mi Cocina."

"With artist Mark di Suvero’s 48-foot-tall Ad Astra installation—the only indoor public display of the artist’s work in the world—rising from the central atrium, it’s clear that this is no ordinary shopping mall. And that’s just how the founders planned it: Opened in 1965 by the Nasher family—who also founded the world-class Nasher Sculpture Center in the Arts District—NorthPark Center helped define retail shopping in the Southwest with its modern architecture, state-of-the-art facilities (at one point, it was the largest climate-controlled mall in the world), private art collection, and upscale shops. Over the years, ithasremained a popular retail option for locals—and one of the city's top tourist destinations, welcoming more that 26 million visitors a year. Following a $250 million, 1.2-million-square-foot expansion in 2006, it now features an upgraded cineplex, more drinking and dining options, a central garden, and hundreds of stores from both mass-market international brands and luxury labels; there’s also been aNeiman Marcusoutpost here since the beginning. When you get tired of shopping for pretty things, there are pretty things to look at, too, including works by Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, James Rosenquist, and more."

"When it opened in 1907, the Neiman Marcus department store was unlike anything Texas had seen, with opulent furnishings and designer fashions that had been sourced in New York City . The store struck a chord with the newly-oil-rich denizens of Dallas , who proceeded to buy out the initial inventory in weeks. And thus, a luxury legend was born. Since then, the brand has grown and evolved (even buying Manhattan retail icon Bergdorf Goodman in the process), but ithasalways adhered to that elevated level of luxury, from launching the first retail fashion shows in the country in the 1920s, to producing what’s still considered the most over-the-top holiday catalogue around. All that history can be felt at this flagship location, where the retailer has been based since 1914, in a now-landmarked Renaissance revival–style building. Take in original details like the double staircase as you shop the fashion-filled floors, then enjoy the famous lunch at the sixth-floor Zodiac restaurant, which has been treating Dallas’s elite to classics like mandarin orange soufflé with chicken salad for over 50 years. The holidays are particularly magical at this location, too, when thousands of lights cover the facade, a grand Christmas tree adorns the main hall, and the store windows are filled with elaborate displays. By Texas Tourism"

"Forty Five Ten While Dallas has never lacked for luxury shopping options—throw a Jimmy Choo stiletto and you’ll hit a designer boutique or upscale department store here—4510’s concept-store format, featuring a well-curated selection of fashion and design pieces from big, emerging, and independent designers, made waves when it first opened in 2000. Since then, the brand has grown to include other outposts in Texas and California, as well as this 37,000-square-foot, four-story flagship in downtown. (The original McKinney Avenue location has been transformed into a home-focused store, and there’s another location in Highland Park Village, too.) Topped by a chic restaurant and filled throughout with artwork, the store continues to feature women’s and men’s fashions, home decor and furnishings, jewelry, and beauty products by labels known for creativity and craftsmanship. The lineup varies, but you can be sure the selection will be thoughtful and fun, and that many of the pieces will be one-of-a-kind or newly available to retail—ensuring that you’ll leave with something special."

"Blasts from the Past for Your Home, Closet It's easy to burn a day simply poring over the lovingly curated used treasures at Lula B's—there's just so much to see. Stroll through the aisles, leaving no corner unturned, and you can be rewarded with stylish, retro-fantastic pieces for your living room, bookshelves, or even your closet. It's a terrific place to uncover items you may want to refurbish, reupholster, or revamp—the creative possibilities are truly endless."

"Calling All Vintage Clothing Fiends Dolly Python is a well-loved haunt for ladies and dudes who love to dress in the manner of a certain era. The vintage store stocks a lovingly selected assortment of blasts of the fashion past, including apparel, shoes and accessories for men and women, and accents for your home you won't find anywhere else. To top it all off, the staff is super-friendly and approachable, which makes the shopping experience that much more fantastic."

"Good Records: Worth a Spin At Good Records, the delight of unsheathing a new (or old) LP trumps the convenience of buying digital tracks. Staffers will turn you on to the best new bands, many of which come to jam on the Astroturf-covered stage. —JORDAN BREAL This appeared in the May 2015 issue. By Afar Magazine"

"Food, fun, and entrepreneurship come together at this 15-acre hub at the base of west Dallas’ Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. The complex was designed as an incubator to nurture and support startups in the worlds of dining, art, entertainment, and retail, allowing emerging businesses to connect with each other and the community. As a result, tenants may come and go, but you’re always sure to find a diverse selection of wares and eats; recent restaurants, for example, have spotlit sushi, kebabs, “next gen” Mexican, and vegan dishes, while shops have peddled handmade chocolates, Korean snow cones, Southern-style cakes, and works by emerging painters. Most of the spots have indoor seating, but it’s more fun to grab some favorites and sit out on the patio, looking out on the city skyline. Be sure to check the site for info on upcoming events like live music, trivia nights at the brewery, “pizza on the patio” evenings and more."