Superb Suburb

Plano scores complementary survey wins for sex and families

It seems like just yesterday we were praising Plano for landing on Livability.com's 2014 list of the best cities for kids. But Plano's not one to rest on its laurels. The North Dallas suburb has already scored two new rankings to brag about.

Wallet Hub's list for the best cities for families put Plano in the No. 1 spot, and Movoto.com named Plano among the nation's top 10 sexiest suburbs. At first blush, it may not seem like sex and family friendliness go together, but all those kids have to come from somewhere.

At first blush, it may not seem like sex and family friendliness go together, but all those kids have to come from somewhere.

The real estate website Movoto put Plano in the 10th and final spot on its survey of sexiness, which tallied up local lingerie stores, adult entertainment establishments, massage parlors and average summer temperatures.

"This suburb of Dallas heated things up, quite literally, with its scorching summer temps, and figuratively with its high number of adult entertainment per capita," the survey said.

After those sexed up adults produce offspring, Wallet Hub says Plano thrives at keeping kids happy, healthy and safe. The city ranks first in education and childcare, affordability and socio-economic rank.

To compile the rankings, WalletHub compared the 150 largest cities in the United States across 31 key metrics including the availability of quality jobs, the relative cost of housing, the quality of local school and health care systems, and opportunities for fun and recreation.

Movoto put Plano in the 10th and final spot on its survey of suburb sexiness.

Bunny Yeager exhibit at Photographs Do Not Bend in Dallas

Photo courtesy of Rizzoli

Movoto put Plano in the 10th and final spot on its survey of suburb sexiness.

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Night at the museum

Perot Museum gala-goers with a taste for adventure raise $2 million

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Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

On a balmy Saturday night in November, the doors to Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science closed to the public and reopened for nearly 1,000 chic party-goers. They dined, danced, and played with the exhibits to raise funds at 2024 Night at the Museum Gala.

Led by co-chairs Dr. Pamela J. Okada and Mark Okada, the crowd of "after-hours scientists" raised $2 million to support the museum’s educational programs and expand STEM learning opportunities across North Texas.

Perot Museum, Night at the Museum Gala 2024

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

The event, designed by Valdivia Ventures, included live music, a captivating performance by dancers of Texas Ballet Theater, and innovative food activations by Wolfgang Puck Catering (the flaky, piping hot truffle pot pies that gala guests always look forward to).

As patrons explored the museum, they were greeted by hundreds of white orchids from Jackson Durham Events and were serenaded in exhibit hall by musicians provided by Jordan Khan Music Company.

A highlight of the evening was the "10-Minute Tasting Restaurant," an adventurous pop-up type experience that transformed the Museum Store into a five-star dining experience. Of course there were cocktails, too, and the lychee martini was a fan-favorite.

The evening concluded with a high-energy after-party on the lower level of the museum, presented by the Eugene McDermott Foundation. Guests danced the night away to beats by DJ Romi Q, struck a pose at the interactive photo booth, and ended the night at a decadent dessert room featuring a variety of sweet treats.

Funds raised from Night at the Museum will support educational programs, fund day-to-day operations, and provide financial aid to ensure the museum remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the night, were Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps, Chris Shurtleff, Tim Peck, Missy Rogers Peck, Tori Mulford, Linda Silver, Emory McKim, Shelby Wagner, Niven Morgan, Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez, Regen Horchow, Ken Hersh, Dennis Cail, Annika Cail, Grace Cook, Caleb Stearns Wiley, Sarah-Michelle Stearns Wiley, Jason Valdivia, Katherine Stenesen, Chantel Boudreaux, Jeffrey Bragalone, Lexi Dennis, Mickie Bragalone, John Spradling, Miriam Spradling, KC Hurst, Koli Hurst, Magda Veja, Ashley Chellgren, Maria Zajia, Geraldine Parker, Meredith Abbott, and many more patrons and supporters.

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