I am back again with a new roundup of places to see and be seen. This list got the series going but, naturally, with a change in season comes a necessary change in scenery.
Yes, the Dallas social swells have been frequenting a slew of new places, and, yes, I'm all over it. Here's a fresh batch of places to frequent this summer. See you out there, boys and girls.
Coyote Drive-in
With movies during the week, live music on the weekends, and a fancy concession stand serving good beer (think Revolver Blood & Honey) and wine, owners Brady and Brandt Wood have found a formula that works to lure all the right people to Cowtown. The Wood brothers, in partnership with Austin-based C3 Presents, also convinced Jimmy Buffett to kick off a cool new concert series, further solidifying the drive-in's cool factor. The date-night-at-the-movies game done changed.
Decks in the Park
There is no shortage of action at Klyde Warren Park. But the park is never more vibrant than during Decks in the Park. Inspired by MoMA PS1's Warm Up, Jeff Mitchell launched this monthly summer music series last year, and it shows no signs of slowing. Gorgeous young scenesters, families and everyone in between spread out on the lawn to listen to a variety of cool beats from Dallas' top DJs. There are only four dance parties left, happening through October, and you shouldn't dare miss them.
Era Salon
This spot is so new that you have probably blown right past it while driving down Oak Lawn Avenue, unaware of the beauty that lies within. At her glam new salon, owner Maleiah Rogers offers high-quality cuts and color, waxing and the all-important airbrush tan, among other services. Plus, you never know what Dallas hot shot will be reading a magazine and sipping champagne in the salon chair next to you.
The Establishment
This oyster-and-cocktail joint on the Travis Street strip has finally arrived, and the scenesters have taken notice. Yes, there was a big breakup between the partners, and the place opened a long year and a half after it was announced, but that just adds to the allure, right? Settle in for some small plates and a few well-shaken cocktails and soak in the scene. Cool and confident Uptown foodies pack the place on weekends, and you never know who might roll up in a Rolls to dine across the street at Le Bilboquet.
The Eye at The Joule
Tony Tasset's eye-opening installation arrived on the Main Street scene last August and has since become a funky setting for everything from exclusive soirees to public yoga classes. If you have a party to throw, the venue accepts bookings through The Joule. It boasts an 11,000-square-feet expanse of pristine AstroTurf and the ever-gazing Eye, of course. At 30 feet tall, the sculpture is one of the most memorable photo ops in town. We can't wait to see what happens there next and which celebs will be spotted standing next to it.
The Gem
The move from Inwood Road to Preston Center was the right one. Owners Mary Kathryn Bass and Leslie Needleman have a loyal following who frequent their shop for fresh-pressed juices and smoothies — which every socialite requires the morning after a night on the town. Light snacks and lunches — such as quinoa, chopped veggie or kale salad — provide guilt-free lunch options, and cleanses get everyone back on track after indulgent summer beach vacations.
HG Sply Co.
The whole of Greenville Avenue is hopping these days, but the rooftop bar at HG Sply Co. is a scene unlike any other in Dallas. Sure, this is still a hot spot for hipsters, but they co-exist quite nicely with the Dallas social elite who hit this joint for frozen Moscow Mules in cool copper cups. If you've yet to experience an HG Sply Co. sunset, you're missing out — not only for the view, but also for the people watching.
Milk & Honey Boutique
This adorable boutique on Henderson Avenue has been on our radar for a while, but it has hit its stride as of late, attracting Dallas fashion bloggers and young professional women who want to look the part without breaking the bank. Owner Brittany Thomas stocks her shop with on-trend pieces, and store manager Shannon Yoachum helps every customer put them all together. You are also bound to spy some well-dressed twentysomething Instagramming her cute finds for the world to see.
Speedflex
With so much to do on a daily basis, no one in Dallas has time for a lengthy workout. Those in the know have been flocking to this new workout facility that promises to burn 300 percent more calories than steady-state exercise such as treadmills, elliptical machines or stationary bikes. Plus it has a prime location at Preston Center. Fans include Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Tiffany Cuban and Larry North.
True Food Kitchen
One of the latest "healthy" chains to invade Dallas, True Food Kitchen could not have picked a better spot to plant Dallas roots: Preston Center. (Are you sensing a theme here?) At lunch, pretty Park Cities moms frequent True Food Kitchen to sip antioxidant teas and nosh on big bowls of vegetables; in the evening they return sans kids for girls night our or date night with the hubs. But it's also the place to take your single persnickety foodie friends who claim to like everything but really want gluten-free, Paleo or something on the South Beach Diet.
Tony Tasset's Eye at The Joule has become an attraction in its own right, as well as the setting for many special events.
Ice skaters showed off their moves in the "Central Park" rink.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The Kilgore Rangerettes channeled the Radio City Rockettes.Photo by Ashley Gongora
Dessert included a cake that looked like a blue Tiffany box.Photo by Michael Merry