Bless the AC

The one-stop spot in Dallas where your family can beat the summer heat

Summer in Texas can be brutal, so having a place to beat the heat with the whole family in tow is the dream. For Dallas mom and blogger Cassie Freeman, Inwood Village is the ideal go-to neighborhood spot to make that wish a reality.

Between running her successful blog Hi Sugarplum, collaborating on her own Gibson x Hi Sugarplum collection at Nordstrom, raising two amazing kids, and trying to go on the occasional date night with her husband, Cassie's life is pretty busy. Thankfully, Inwood Village provides her with a one-stop locale to spend time with her family while getting errands done, grabbing a bite to eat, and even fitting in a little fun.

Located conveniently on Lovers Lane and Inwood Road, Inwood Village is a favorite of Cassie's, as well as her 12-year-old daughter, Sloan. We spent the day with this mother-daughter duo, finding ways to beat the Texas heat as they stopped by some of their favorite spots in the center.

Mola Mola Poke
A trendy newcomer to Inwood Village, Mola Mola Poke is a whimsical and colorful restaurant that serves chef-inspired poke that focuses on sourcing experimental healthy options from across the world. With the goal to use local produce and place an emphasis on sustainable fish sourcing, Mola Mola attracts healthy, active individuals looking for a delicious bite in the neighborhood.

Landmark Inwood Theater
Opened in 1947, this unique theater has a remarkable history, distinctive film selection, and comfortable seating. Newly updated screening rooms feature leather lounge chairs, comfortable sofas, and loveseats. Additionally, a private bar allows patrons to purchase cocktails and soft drinks without leaving the theater.

BeTween Scene
One of Dallas' premier boutiques, BeTween Scene offers designer clothing, shoes, and accessories for kids and tweens alike. Featuring brands such as Ella Moss, Juicy Couture, and True Religion, this store has serious style, making grown-up fashionistas wish they could shop here too.

Berrynaked
This one-of-a-kind local spot serves a creative array of popsicles and purees with an aim to package nature's perfection. Started by a local mother, Berrynaked prides itself on serving fresh, natural, and organic ingredients so that you know your family is getting a great snack or healthy dessert alternative.

Cassie Freeman and her daughter Sloan at Mola Mola Poke in Inwood Village.

Cassie Freeman and her daughter Sloan

Courtesy photo

Cassie Freeman and her daughter Sloan at Mola Mola Poke in Inwood Village.

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Politics News

Dallas narrows down field for new city manager to 4 candidates

Downtown Dallas

Photo by R K on Unsplash

This is an Dallasite's sign to launch that small business they've been dreaming of.

After six months without a city manager, the city of Dallas has narrowed down the field of replacements to four semifinalists including one serving as current interim city manager, plus candidates from Fort Worth, Michigan, and Georgia.

Dallas has been without a city manager since May, when previous city manager T.C. Broadnax left to take a job with the city of Austin. Since that time, Broadnax's former chief of staff Kimberly Bizor Tolbert has served as interim city manager.

The city retained Baker Tilly, a consulting firm, to recruit and compile candidates. (Baker Tilly famously erred in the brochure it created for the position by featuring a photo of the Houston skyline instead of Dallas; they've since replaced it with Dallas.)

A spokesperson for Baker Tilly did not respond to inquiries but according to D Magazine, an email listing the candidates has been sent to the Dallas City Council.

The semifinalists include:

Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Dallas’ current interim city manager
William Johnson, an assistant city manager in Fort Worth
Mark Washington, the city manager of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Zachary Williams, a county chief operating officer in Georgia

All have more than 25 years' of public administration experience and have worked in similar capacities in their respective cities.

Before working in Fort Worth, Johnson was Baltimore’s transportation director and Atlanta’s deputy chief operating officer and public works commissioner.

Washington worked in Fort Worth and Austin before becoming Grand Rapids’ city manager.

Williams has mostly worked in Georgia at the county level, including serving as county manager in Fulton County and chief operating officer in DeKalb County.

Tolbert began working for the city in 1998, first as the city manager’s assistant and later in the aviation department. Broadnax hired her as his chief of staff in 2017.

Unlike the Mayor and the Dallas City Council, the city manager position in Dallas is not elected but is instead appointed by the city council, and is tasked with executing policies, overseeing the annual budget, and managing staff at city hall.

The council’s Ad Hoc Committee will choose finalists, introduce them to the public, and make an offer in early 2025.

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