Out on the Town

Let Dallas' South Victory be the backdrop for your girls' night out

When was the last time you had a girls' night out? If you have to think about it, then it's been too long. No matter your squad's style, South Victory — the vibrant district located in Victory Park — has the restaurants, boutiques, bars, and entertainment to appeal to any agenda.

Where should you head first? Here are a few suggestions.

Catch a flick with flair
Cinepolis has brought its luxurious movie-going experience to Dallas with an eight-screen, 700-seat cinema that also boasts cutting-edge sound and high-definition projection technology. Stretch out in the reclining leather seats or order a gourmet meal from the waiter, then kick back and enjoy the show.

Indulge your sweet tooth
The sugar-rush experience Sweet Tooth Hotel returns for its third installation, "Discotech," May 25, bringing with it Instagram opps galore and the chance to fully immerse yourself in a world of larger-than-life candy. Some of Dallas' most innovative artists have created this 5,000-square-foot experiential art pop-up, which has five sugar-themed interactive rooms based on popular treats. Purchase tickets here.

Shop 'til you drop
Keep the sweet theme going by ducking into It'Sugar, the candy wonderland with treats both edible and just plain cheeky. Irreverent items also abound at Read Between the Lines, where you'll find fine paper goods, home decor, jewelry, and gifts. Refresh your wardrobes at V.O.D., which stocks independent designers from around the world, or pick up some cute Mavs or Stars gear from The Hangar for the next home game at the nearby AAC.

Toast to friendship
There's no shortage of eatery options at South Victory, ranging from a quick organic, cold-pressed juice from Buda Juice to the unique experience that is Billy Can Can. Take advantage of patio weather at Jinya Ramen, where you can sip cocktails while building your ideal bowl from 10 signature ramen recipes and 20-plus toppings. Imoto also has a stellar menu of drinks and eats that covers traditional sushi and modern Asian cuisine, while Mesero puts a contemporary spin on Mexican food and craft cocktails.

Plan your ultimate girls' night out at South Victory's website, and see where the night takes you.

Cinepolis has redefined the movie-going experience.

Photo courtesy of Victory Park

Cinepolis has redefined the movie-going experience.

movies nightlife promoted cocktails shopping drinks dinner

Rivers wild

Ethan Hawke narrates new documentary that deep-dives into Texas rivers

Cropped still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

The Rio Grande is one of the stunning subjects of Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers.

One Texas film icon passes the torch to another for a deep dive on Texas' river ecosystems in the upcoming documentary Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers. Matthew McConaughey narrated the original 2022 film, Deep in the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story. Now Ethan Hawke narrates the follow-up, which will be in theaters September 25.

Deep in the Heart 2 is directed by Ben Masters, a nature-obsessed Texan who was born and raised in Amarillo and has followed wildlife around the state and beyond. Working with his crew at Fin & Fur Films, Masters explores the Rio Grande, the Sabine River, and the Neches River, a press release says, coming across otters, turkeys, alligator snapping turtles, and more.

This underwater shot was taken in San Marcos.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

The original Deep in the Heart took a broad view of Texas — both its landscapes and their inhabitants — while the "sequel," as the release calls it, specifically highlights water. Conservation is an important angle, and viewers will get a chance to consider how they could connect with and protect the ecosystems on their screens.

"Most of my favorite memories are on Texas Rivers," said Masters in the release. "I grew up on the Canadian, fell in love on the Brazos, got married on the Guadalupe, found adventure on the Rio Grande, and am raising my kids on the Colorado."

The filmmaker says that spending three years filming his natural subjects gave him "a newfound appreciation" for rivers and how distinct they are from one another.

Amazing cinematography was a hallmark of the original film, and the sequel offers more beautiful shots.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

"We spent months filming mountain lions on the Pecos, snapping turtles on the Neches, otters on the Sabine, fatmuckets on the Llano, and whooping cranes in the Guadalupe's Estuary," Masters said. "Editing the majesty of Texas Rivers into 80 minutes was a huge challenge, and I'm just incredibly grateful to work with such a talented team of cinematographers, editors, producers, and musicians."

Hawke, born in Austin and raised in Fort Worth, is known for acting in the Dead Poets Society, Gattaca, the Richard Linklater films Boyhood and Blue Moon, and more. He has taken up causes in environmental advocacy for years and appeared in other ecology-focused films, including the intense fictional First Reformed (2018) and a goofy anti-littering PSA with TxDOT (2023).

Some unexpected guests in the Rio Grande.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

The film was made in association with H-E-B, a regular supporter of ecological documentaries and initiatives, and conservation organization Texan by Nature. Other collaborators include producer Josh Winkler, editor Sam Klatt, assistant editor Chet Stefan, and composer Noah Sorota. The musical score is performed by Dallas Chamber Symphony.

animals documentaries ecology ethan hawke film matthew mcconaughey movies nature texas wildlife