Florals for Spring

Fresh new NorthPark Center exhibit blooms with creativity and beauty

This spring, NorthPark Center brings the outdoors inside in a truly exquisite way with Fleurs de Villes Artiste.

On view March 20-24 for the first time in Texas, this free exhibition features a curated collection of 15 one-of-a-kind fresh floral mannequins, all created by North Texas' most talented floral designers with themes chosen by the region’s vibrant arts and cultural organizations. Each floral display distinctively showcases the featured institution, encompassing the disciplines of dance, music, theater, visual arts, and more.

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Fleurs de Villes combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke displays for experiential events like none other. Its name translates to "flowers of the cities," guaranteeing that Dallas' display will be wholly unique to its hometown talent.

“For many years, we have been asked about our plans to come to Texas, so we are thrilled to make our entry at NorthPark Center, North Texas’ top shopping destination," says Karen Marshall, co-founder of Fleurs de Villes. "Our theme Artiste is a perfect pairing with this iconic institution, so well known for its commitment to the performing and visual arts, community engagement, and spectacular seasonal landscaping.”

“Dynamic and beautiful landscaping has always been an integral part of the visitor experience at NorthPark Center, alongside the many museum-quality artworks on view for all to enjoy,” says Nancy A. Nasher, owner of NorthPark. “Fleurs de Villes Artiste perfectly encapsulates the harmonious alignment of landscaping and art, highlighting 15 world-renowned arts and cultural organizations in our region. We are thrilled to be the exclusive Texas location for this newly created concept that will draw visitors from near and far.”

Expect stunning floral mannequins from important art institutions including the Dallas Museum of Art, paired with House of CLRK by Emily Clarke; the Nasher Sculpture Center, paired with Urban Flower Grange Hall; and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, paired with Dr Delphinium Designs + Events.

Also keep an eye out for a display celebrating the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, crafted by Blushington Blooms, and a colorful Jalisco dress representing the spirit and culture of Mexico by Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico and Concepto. See the full list of participating florists and their corresponding arts and cultural organizations here.

Photo courtesy of NorthPark Center

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden by Blushington Blooms.

Special events surrounding the exhibition include a meet-and-greet with the floral artists on Saturday, March 23, at 10 am, with an afternoon of cultural performances following at noon. Learn more here.

In addition to Dallas, the Fleurs de Villes Artiste 2024 global tour will travel through the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, stopping in cities including Miami, Quebec City, Costa Mesa, Chicago, Toronto, Atlanta, Edinburgh, Vancouver, Boston, and New York.

Fleurs de Villes Artiste is located on level one between Neiman Marcus and NorthCourt and is free and open to the public. Due to the delicate nature of fresh flowers, it is only on view until March 24, so get there before they wilt!

shopping nature exhibitions fashion promoted

Rolling a strike

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen

Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

The High 5 Exchange in Austin has bowling galore.

A new family entertainment destination is rolling into Allen, bringing bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, virtual reality, and more. Called High 5 Exchange, the venue has broken ground at 2361 Quail Covey Rd. in The Farm in Allen.

It is expected to open in 2027, according to a release.

High 5 Exchange comes from a family entertainment company founded by husband-and-wife team Scott and Jenny Emley. They opened the first location in the Lakeway area of Austin more than a decade ago; a second Austin location followed a few years later.

Their roots are in Austin - Scott Emley played football for UT Austin - but the couple recently relocated to McKinney. There's also a location under construction in Mansfield.

The entertainment mega-center in Allen will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, dining, and rooms for parties and other group events.

Tasty-looking tacos at High 5 in Austin.Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

Bowling will be the major draw, with 24 lanes supplied by QubicaAMF. The lineup will include 16 traditional tenpin lanes equipped with EDGE String pinspotters, HyperBowling, and Neoverse, along with eight Fly'n Ducks duckpin lanes, the release says. The combination will give guests the choice between traditional full-length bowling and duckpin bowling, which uses a smaller ball.

"Bowling has a unique ability to bring different generations, interests and skill levels together," said Jody Pastula, director of new business development, U.S., for QubicaAMF, in a statement. "By offering both tenpin and Fly'n Ducks duckpin bowling, High 5 Allen is creating more ways for guests to participate and share the experience. We are pleased to be part of a project designed around connection, variety and repeat visits."

Beyond bowling, High 5 Allen will feature laser tag, a virtual reality arena, an arcade gaming floor, escape rooms, an immersive experience from Creative Works called "Limitless," and outdoor miniature golf. The venue will also have dedicated spaces for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and private events, along with food and beverage service.

While details on the food and beverage program have not yet been announced, the Austin locations feature a full-service bar and a menu of "American classics with a gourmet twist."

High 5 Exchange Allen Rendering of High 5 Exchange at The Farm in Allen.Rendering courtesy of High 5 Exchange

High 5 Exchange will be part of The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development at the southeast corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive. Developed by Allen-based JaRyCo Development in partnership with the Johnson family, The Farm combines residential, office, dining, retail, and entertainment components.

"Allen and the surrounding communities have been part of our vision for this project from the beginning," said Scott Emley, co-founder and CEO of High 5 Exchange, in a statement. "The Farm brings together homes, workplaces, parks, dining and entertainment in a way that fits how people want to connect.

"We are excited to create a place where a family can spend an afternoon, coworkers can gather after work, and friends can celebrate the moments that matter."

entertainment and dining bowling allen

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Rolling a strike

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen