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Now in its 23rd year, the popular Parade of Playhouses at NorthPark Center began this week showcasing a variety of creative children's playhouses that fit nicely with the center’s permanent art collection.

In all, there are 14 playhouses dotting the landscape there this summer.

Rosanne Lewis who handles Public Relations for Dallas CASA said, “The annual event raises awareness and funds for abused and neglected children and gives children a time to see custom built playhouses.”

This year’s selection of child-like houses features some amazingly creative and fun houses. A few featured houses are:

  • Presenting sponsor Crest Cadillac / Crest Infiniti’s “BRO’S DINER,” a fun take-off of traditional 1950s diners.
  • Whataburger built a house in the style of the vintage A-frame, orange and white-striped drive-through Whataburger buildings. The A-frame roof will be a rock wall on one side and a slide on the other. Inside, a mini-kitchen will inspire future chefs.
  • OMNIPLAN Architects designed a playhouse using an in-house design competition amongst the company’s architects. The selected house features a flexible design on a fixed base that allows children’s imaginations to guide the space and its use.
  • Patrick Jackson with You Dream It We Build It is a professional playhouse builder by trade. His design “Warped” is a collaborative effort with friends and colleagues in the building community, many of whom donated materials and even building space for Jackson to make children’s dreams come true.

“They have building adorable playhouses down-pat,” said Lewis.

The playhouses are all custom built and are donated by the local architects, builders and corporations involved.  The returning builders and architects include Beck Architecture, LLC, Bob Borson, Buford Hawthorne Homebuilders, Butscher Construction, Crest Cadillac/Crest Infiniti, Harman, Christiaan Lujik and Redlee/SCS.

The tiny houses are precious, but more importantly they represent hope for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Dallas CASA’s trained community volunteers serve as voices in court for these children who are navigating a frightening and confusing child welfare system. While all kids love exploring these fun houses, the children Dallas CASA volunteers serve dream of homes free from abuse and neglect.

“Dallas CASA believes all children have the right to be safe and loved and allowed to reach their full potential,” said Kathleen LaValle, Dallas CASA’s executive director. “For the children we serve, these houses represent our dreams for them – safety, permanency and a place to call their own forever. Every day in Dallas, CASA volunteers are walking hand in hand with children on their journeys to permanent, loving homes. We all dream of a day when no child in need has to wish for a permanent place to grow up, safe and loved.”

Parade of Playhouses has been a signature community and fundraising event for Dallas CASA since 1996. Each house is unique and represents months of work designing, planning, building, finishing and transporting to NorthPark Center.

In 2017, Dallas CASA’s 1,314 volunteers advocated for 3,118 Dallas children. But one out of four Dallas children in protective care does not have a volunteer to advocate for them. Dallas CASA hopes to become the largest nonprofit CASA program in the country to serve all abused children in protective care.

All proceeds from raffle ticket sales benefit the children served by Dallas CASA. Viewing the playhouses is free and open any time during NorthPark hours. Raffle tickets to win a playhouse are $5 each or five for $20 and will be available to purchase during the event

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Photo courtesy Reunion Tower

Okay, you can certainly take dad out for a few beers and steaks for Father’s Day next weekend and we can tell you the best place to do that of course. But beyond that, how about surprising your father with a few of these additional unlikely things to do as well; think good beer and high altitudes.

Treat Dad to a day off this Father’s Day with tickets to Beer Mansion Dallas, the inaugural Texas event from Brooklyn Brewery. The three-session event will take place June 15 and 16 in Deep Ellum at 2616 Commerce St. Beer Mansion combines four parties under one roof each with unique themes, vendors, music, art, food and ever-flowing pours of craft brews and cocktails. Tickets are $20 for entry into the event and then an additional $15 for each sheet of 12 beer sampling tickets.  There is also a Tasting Experience for $35 and that includes early entry into the Mansion, access to the Tasters Quarters, a signature Spiegelau tasting glass, swag bag and one complimentary food item.

It’s bowling and more at Pinstack for Father’s Day and dad can indulge in a weeklong Father’s Day special available from Monday, June 11 to Sunday, June 17. The unique dining and entertainment destination is offering a 35 oz. Tomahawk Steak paired with truffle mac & cheese and grilled asparagus for $35. The special also includes a 20-point game card and is available at all three Dallas area Pinstack locations.

Every dad loves a drink and some boil…Shell Shack is doing $2 LandShark Beer and $5 frozen drinks, including the Blue Hawaiian. Don’t miss the boil of King Crab, Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab, Shrimp or Crawfish.  Get it served “Uptown Style” or choose from Cajun, Garlic, Lemon Pepper, The Kitchen Sink or Naked and then pick your heat (mild, medium, hot or diablo)

You can’t do better than taking dad to Lark on the Park for a special Father’s Day.  Chef Ryan Barnett is a dad himself and his menu features some tasty favorites created with his own touch.  Lark on the Park is located at 2015 Woodall Rogers Freeway on the edge of downtown’s Klyde Warren Park and offers complimentary valet parking.  Afterwards you can spend some time with dad outdoors in a park setting or walk the short walk to one of Dallas’ museums in the area. 

For a nice drive on Father’s Day head to Fort Worth and take dad to the Fort Worth Stockyards, but not before heading over to Bird Café www.birdinthe.net for a Father’s Day special menu brunch. Chef Kyle Baker and Bird Café  in Sundance Square celebrate Father’s Day with brunch specials in addition to its popular a la carte menu with everything from Grilled Steak Frites to Smoked Brisket and a Dad-bod Burger featuring a grilled Angus patty, bone marrow aioli, lettuce, tomato, smoked pimento cheese and crispy chicken skin

Take your Pop to the Top and spend some time with dad at Reunion Tower.  That’s right spend Father’s Day 470-feet in the air at the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck! Enjoy 360-degree views of the world’s best skyline, interactive exhibits and quality time with your number one man. Each Dad will receive a free digital photo and a special koozie to remember the day.

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Photo courtesy Atwater Alley

As summer temperatures rise and Summer Solstice is just week’s away it’s time to pull some items off your Dallas bucket list and get busy taking advantage of the long, lazy days and nights ahead.  Here are a few things you might consider when thinking about how to spend the next few months while discovering all the Dallas area has to offer.

For Indoor Sport’s Enthusiasts

Bowlero Corp, the world leader in bowling entertainment and parent company of Bowlero, AMF, Brunswick Zone and Bowlmor centers is offering Summer Game passes at their local bowling alley and it’s good for adults and children.  The passes are good for bowling at  Bowlmor Dallas, Bowlero Euless and the AMF Richardson Lanes and are available until August 22.  Passes range in price from $9.95 to $43.95 for children 15 and younger and $27.95 to $58.95 for those 16 and older. The passes can be used to bowl up to three games of bowling every day until September 3, 2018. 

For Science Junkies

It’s the summer of the dinosaur at Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The museum will be showcasing a traveling exhibition, Ultimate Dinosaurs, beginning June 23 and visitors will have a chance to learn about a variety of dinosaur sights and experiences that many North Americans might not be familiar with.  From a T. rexcalator installation that will greet visitors on Level 4 to an interactive dancing-with-dinosaurs experience, Ultimate Dinosaurs will reveal 17 rarely seen species – including the world’s heaviest land animal, T. rex’s ferocious distant cousin, and a cannibalistic dino – all from the southern hemisphere. Not your old-school dinosaurs, this exhibit is based on groundbreaking research from scientists around the world telling the story of the break-up of supercontinent Pangaea into today’s continents and the amazing diversity of dinosaur species that evolved as a result. Highlights include 15 fully articulated dinosaur casts, more than a dozen prehistoric specimens, augmented reality to experience the dinosaurs in the flesh, touchable fossilized dinosaur specimens and hands-on play spaces featuring miniature dinosaur dioramas.  Ultimate Dinosaurs runs through January 6, 2019.

For Nature and Music Lovers

Dallas Arboretum's Cool Thursdays Concert Series kicks off next week beginning with Rio on June 14. The Ultimate Duran Duran Tribute Band, this is the first time Rio has performed in Dallas and guests will enjoy the show overlooking White Rock Lake at the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn. If you aren’t into Duran Duran, you might prefer the June 28 concert; Sounds of Summer-Beach Boys Tribute Band. Attendees can also bring picnics and beverages or purchase food items from some of DFW's favorite food trucks including Ruthie's Rolling Cafe, Rick's BBQ, So Cal Tacos and Guava Tree. The gardens are open for strolling through before the concert and don’t miss the summer exhibit, Wind Sculptures in Motion: The Kinetic Art of Lyman Whitaker.  Gates open at 6 p.m., and the concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. with on-site parking complimentary.

For Lazy Lounge Lizards

To drink by day, try Cantina Laredo, known for their awesome Mexican drinks specials.  Through July 3, Cantina Laredo will be offering three spicy summer sips you won’t find anywhere else; Fire & Funk, Spicy Cilantro Mule and the Spicy Paloma.  If you want to make your own version at home here’s you can do that too.

Fire & Funk

Hornitos Plata Tequila, Del Maguey VIDA Mezcal, Cointreau Orange Liqueur, agave nectar, fresh lime juice and a dash of Cholula Hot Sauce.

Spicy Cilantro Mule

Avión Reposado Tequila, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, jalapeño and cilantro, topped with Fever-Tree Ginger Beer.

Spicy Paloma

Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, chile de árbol and grapefruit juice, topped with club soda.

And, if you are sleeping the summer days away try Atwater Alley come sundown.  Hidden, dark and swanky with that unmistakable speakeasy feel, this two-story cocktail haven offers plenty of drinks to satisfy both the mixology enthusiast and craft cocktail novice.  Atwater forgoes a traditional drink menu, instead encouraging guests to strike up a dialogue with the bartenders. Request a classic or tell the bartender what you’re in the mood for and let some of the city’s best drink slingers create something special on the spot while you chill out among dark wood, black wallpaper, leather booths and a fireplace. Open Thursdays through Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

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Summertime gives many of us a sweet tooth.  So where are the best sugary treats to be found as the temperatures rise in Dallas? Whether its gelato, chocolate or just a good old-fashioned sugar high, here are a few local stops that won’t disappoint.

If you head over to the popular downtown Dallas Victory Park area this month you will definitely want to stop in at the brand new Popbar, famous for its handmade gelato-on-a-stick and other frozen treats. Popbar offers not only handcrafted gelato, but also sorbetto and yogurt on a stick too. The tagline “Popbar consumption may result in addictive behavior” is no joke since in addition to frozen hot chocolate on a stick, the menu also includes over 40 flavors that rotate regularly. Even better, you can add dippings and toppings, so the flavor is all your own. The popologists at Popbar make all their treats in-house every day producing 26 popbars at a time and using natural ingredients.

At It’Sugar also located at Victory Park the candy rush will be all too real as your mind is boggled just looking at all the sugary options.  Coined a candy emporium specializing in innovative sweets, fun novelty gifts, and giant candy, the concept was founded by candy veteran Jeff Rubin. These days It’Sugar is the largest specialty candy retailer in the world and in addition to Dallas there are locations in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Chicago.

At Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm visit Frios Gourmet Pops opened just in time for the warm temperature.  Frios handmakes their pops daily using fresh, local ingredients and customers will find delicious fruit or cream-based flavors to choose from. “We are so excited to open Frios in Allen,” says Khristine Wilson, owner of Frios in Watters Creek. “In addition to selling our ‘fun fresh frozen’ pops in the store, we’ll also have a cart out on The Green for all the Concerts by the Creek.” Founded in 2013 as a single push cart on the streets of downtown Gadsden, Alabama, the idea has resulted in tens of thousands of gourmet pops a day in Frios stores around the country. In addition to flavors like strawberry and chocolate there are also the choices of Strawberry Mango, Pomegranate Grapefruit and BlackBerry Ginger Lemonade or the more decadent Creamy Coconut and Caramel Sea Salt, Nutter Butter, Fruity Pebbles or Key Lime Pie.

At Frost gelato shoppe you won’t leave unsatisfied.  Located on Walnut Hill in Dallas and with a second shop in Austin, Frost prides itself on gelato and sorbet as well as cakes, coffee, hot chocolate and Sorbettini, meaning sorbet and sparkling water combined. Gelato flavors range from the tried and true favorites to bubblegum, mint chocolate chip and even toasted marshmallow or rum raisin. 

Chocolate Secrets on Oak Lawn is for chocolate junkies who can’t get enough.  With organic ingredients as the norm you will also find French macarons in a variety of flavors or ice cream and coffee on the menu.  But, it’s the chocolate that keep customers returning think truffles, bonbons and even chocolate bars, oh so tasty and perfect for the summer.

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If you are hot outside so is your pet.  So, while National Pet Month reminds us that our four-legged friends need attention, don’t be fooled into thinking your pet whether it’s a dog, cat, horse or even hamster can endure a heat that even you can’t tolerate.

Here are some helpful hints to keep your pet safe this summer from not only the heat, but also from pesky summer uninvited guests like fleas and ticks.  

The ASPCA suggests these tips to keep your pet from overheating.

  • Make sure you get your pet tested for heartworms if not already on year-round preventative medication.
  • Keep plenty of fresh water available for your pet when it is hot or humid outside.  Pets can get dehydrated fast and Fido also needs a shady area to as not to overheat too.
  • Don’t over-exercise your pet in the heat and keep them inside when it is really hot.
  • Do not leave your pet in a parked car while you go inside to shop or run errands.  It can lead to a heat stroke and in some cases can be illegal.
  • Do not open unscreened windows because your pet might fall out and make sure if you do have screens on your windows each screen is tightly secured.
  • Do not shave your dog completely, but a trim is okay. The layer of a dog’s coats protects your furry friend from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats during hot weather is also a good idea and if you do decide to use sunscreen or insect repellent on your pet make sure it is specifically for animals.

Lauren Bullington of Arrow Exterminators with offices in Dallas says experts are predicting a banner year for fleas and ticks this summer too.

“Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and tickborne diseases, so it is important that pet owners take precautionary steps to prevent flea and tick infestations, says Charlie Jones, Arrow pest expert. “Fleas and ticks are especially problematic in the warmer months. Time spent playing outside with pets or walking in the woods or in tall grassy can put pets at risk for picking up these pests. It's important to carefully check pets frequently throughout the season.”
Here are five more precautions Jones says to remember in order to protect you and your pets this year.

  • Keep outdoor play areas and lawns groomed and clear of brush, grass clippings, woodpiles and leaf debris.  These are ideal havens for rodents such as mice and rats which are renowned carriers of fleas and ticks. 
  • Bathe and groom pets often and visit a veterinarian for professional flea and tick treatments.  Also, inspect them daily, especially the front shoulders, back and ears.  Fleas are notorious hitchhikers and with the ability to jump more than 200 times their body length, it is extremely easy for them to catch a ride on a pet and into a home.
  • Vacuum frequently.  This will help remove fleas and prevent the laying of eggs.  It’s important to remember that fleas are not only fantastic hitchhikers, but also professional escape artists. “After vacuuming, immediately dispose of the bag.
  • When outside, in areas where ticks are common, it’s important to dress properly.  Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and if possible, wear clothing light in color so ticks are easier to detect. Also, use a tick repellant containing DEET or Permethrin and when returning indoors, inspect clothing and skin and pets for ticks, especially the head and behind the ears.
  • If a flea or tick infestation is suspected, a pest professional should be contacted immediately to eradicate the problem before it gets out of hand.
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Corpus Christi Marina photo credit Rita Cook

You have a weekend to get out of town and you just aren’t sure where to go. It really all depends on what you want to do so read on and find out how you can have an epic few days just hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. 

Corpus Christi

The longest of the drives out of the metroplex, if you are a beach lover take the six-hour drive south to Corpus Christi.  While there you can enjoy not only quality beach time, but also a number of indoor things to do while exploring the Texas Gulf Coast.

1. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

If you love the great outdoors, the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center will entice. With 182 acres to discover there are 11 floral exhibits and gardens including a 2,600 square-foot screened Butterfly House. Other standouts are the Samuel Jones Orchid Conservatory, Hummingbird Garden, Anderson Bromeliad Conservatory, seasonal Plumeria Garden, a Rose Garden and an “artscaped” Sensory Garden.   You will also find reptiles calling the Nature Center home and an impressive parrot collection as well as a lake, nature trail and a birding tower – appropriate for a city coined the “Birdiest City” in the United States.

2. USS Lexington Museum on the Bay

Check out this World War II-aircraft carrier commissioned in 1943. The USS LEXINGTON, CV-16 served longer with more outstanding records set than any other carrier in the history of naval aviation. She retiredin the early 90s and is now open year-round for tours.   

3. The Beaches of Corpus Christi

There are a number of beaches to visit in Corpus Christi, but my favorite is Mustang Island State Park.  This barrier island has an abundance of wildlife including a wild group of waterfowl. There is camping on the beach and visitors are still allowed to have beach front campfires.  Some weekends offer Junior Ranger Exploration activities and children and adults alike will enjoy walking the beach to collect shells.  Mustang Island is also still an important breeding grounds for a special breed of sea turtle, the Kemp’s Ridley and for birders there are over 400 different species to identify.

4. Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History

From Spanish shipwreck artifacts dating back to the 1500s to a colorful local history, the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History allows guests to discover 500 years of the area’s history from old guns to dinosaurs. Check out the H-E-B Science Center and learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and be sure and take a look at the three-story DNA Climber while there too.

5. Ocean Drive and the Corpus Christi Marina

Ocean Drive is a splendid look at seven miles of magnificent homes and condos dotting the coastline in Corpus. There is all manner of architecture on Ocean Drive from a European feel to a very modern Americana vibe. Heading north Ocean Drive turns into Shoreline Drive and this is where the marina awaits with restaurants and boats the latter ready to take visitors out for some time on the water.  Overall, the Marina Arts District is home to delicious restaurants and what is called the SEA District meaning plenty of sports, entertainment and artsy things to get into while visiting.

Abilene

Settlers began arriving in what is now the area in and around Abilene in 1875.  Of course, it was the railroad that really spurred the growth and as soon as it was completed in just one day in 1881 317 lots were sold making the city of Abilene a reality. There is still much history in Abilene and the locals are proud to show it off.

1. Downtown Walking Tour

Since 1991 the Abilene Commercial Historic District has been working to preserve the historical architecture and culture that is Abilene.  With stops on the walking tour as diverse as the T & P Depot on North 1st Street, which is one of the city’s most outstanding buildings from 1910, to the Grace on Cypress St built in 1909 and for years the city’s most important hotel and listed on the National Register of Historic Places or you will also see the Abilene Reporter News, Abilene's oldest business and the Paramount Theatre opened in 1930 and still open today after a renovation in the 1980s.

2. The Center for Contemporary Arts

With 70 artist members and 10 working studios, visitors will have the chance to visit five galleries and get to know local as well as nationally-renowned artists.  If you visit during the week the Center hosts “ArtWalk” the second Thursday of each month.

3. Fort Phantom Hill

Many have described this old Army post from the 1850s as “ghostly ruins.”  Visitors can walk through the many chimneys and the three remaining buildings and perhaps get a chill up their spine even in the summer while imagining the sound of soldiers who lived here over 150 years ago.

4.  1910 Swenson House

The Swenson House has now been converted into a museum offering escorted tours.  Docentslead the tours in period costumes from the late 19th and early 20th century as guests are led among the many rooms admiring the home’s furnished décor, which is the authentic Swenson family pieces.

5.  Taylor County History Center

For history buffs the Taylor County History Center will give you the chance to explore the West Texas frontier from 1875 to 1925.  There are a number of collections at the Center including Indian artifacts and frontier firearms, a gallery with historic maps and more than 20 historic frontier buildings.


San Antonio

Who can pass up a trip to San Antonio since the history is as stunning as the modern turns the city is constantly taking.  The name of the game in San Antonio is not only about Texas history though since it is also a good place to eat, drink and have a good time.

1. Main Plaza: The Saga

I will mention the Alamo because no visitor can go home without visiting there, but these days folks are also flocking to the San Fernando Cathedral in the Main Plaza to check out the 24-minute show projected onto the cathedral on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  Created by the French artist Xavier De Richemont, The Saga tells the story of San Antonio from beginning, middle to modern day. 

2. Pearl

North of downtown San Antonio, Pearl is more than just a by-gone brewery and doubles as a pretty impressive cultural stop.  With retail, dining, picturesque green spaces, paseos riverside amphitheater and the San Antonio campus of The Culinary Institute of America, the former brewery from 1883 to 2001 still reflects a strong past while embracing the future.  With LEED-certified buildings mixed with historic architecture, the 22 acres is home to the year-round Pearl Farmers Market and the newly opened Hotel Emma.  

3. San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art boasts over 5,000 years of history with a look at many cultures from all over the world. The location for the museum is what was once the Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of the River Walk and you will want to check out the impressive collections featuring Latin American, Ancient Mediterranean and Asian art. There is also a collection at the museum featuring Oceanic Art and many traveling exhibitions come through the doors of the museum regularly.

4. Mission San Jose

This mission is known as the “Queen of the Missions” and is the largest of the missions to be visited.  It was renovated in the 1930s and as most Spanish Missions were, it was a destination and home for the local communities not just a church.  Founded in 1720 and named after Saint Joseph and the Marqués de San Miguel de Aguayo, the governor of the Province of Coahuila and Texas, it sits on the banks of the San Antonio river and is quite near San Antonio de Valero mission better known as the Alamo.

5. The San Antonio River Walk

Near the heart of the city, the San Antonio River Walk is often considered the main attraction in the city.  You can walk down the paved paths lined with Cypress trees and dotted with stone bridges while getting a feel for the gently landscape.  There is also a boat ride to enjoy down the river offering stops and stories about San Antonio with hotels, cultural stops, a look at the city’s history and some great bars to grab a margarita at the end of the day.

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Courtesy of Scarborough Faire

For all you lords and ladies out there still wondering what to do this Memorial Day Weekend how about heading south to Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie.  If you are scratching your head and wondering what Scarborough Faire even is, it is a Renaissance fair that transports visitors back in time.  Based in the 16th century during the time of King Henry VIII, there are over 20 stages and 200 performances that take place during the festival.  You can even watch a jousting match and enjoy the many shops and food stalls that date back to that time. Helaine Thompson who handles public relations for Scarborough Faire offers her top 10 tips on how best to enjoy your time at Scarborough Faire.

  •  Arrive early (by 9:30) to avoid the traffic backups and to park closer to the gate;
  •  Bring cash – the food booths, games & rides only accept cash.  There are ATM’s throughout the site, but they tend to have lines throughout the day.  The ticket booth, the Rose & Crown Inn Restaurant and most of the Shoppes do accept cash;
  •  Costumes are welcome but not required. If you want to become more a part of the experience come in costume, but if you prefer just to people watch jeans/t-shirt attire is more than welcome as well;
  •  Buy a program – there are over 200 shows that take place throughout the Festival day.  A program will help you decide which ones you want to see and when;
  •  Pace yourself & have a plan – with 27 stages, over a dozen artisan demonstrations, 200 shoppes, games of skill, rides and more you can wear yourself out going back & forth around the Festival’s 35-acre site.  So, it’s best to pick out the top things that you want to experience in each of the three areas of the site (Holly Field, Crown Meadow & Pecan Grove) and try to visit each of those while you are in that area;
  • Drink plenty of water – Scarborough is a completely outdoor festival so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. There are a number of water fountains throughout the Festival site and at each of the full-service restrooms in addition to numerous drink booths where you can purchase bottled water;
  • Privies – even though Scarborough is set in the 16th Century we do have the modern convenience of full flush restrooms that are called “Privies.” There is one set of these restrooms in each of the three areas of the festival site along with a number of port-a-potties;
  • Meeting places – the cellular & wi-fi accessibility is limited at the Scarborough site so if your group is splitting up it is best to select a meeting place and time to meet back up. It may be difficult to connect with each other on your cell phones;
  • Food options – the Festival has five different food courts with many different food options including those with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free food preferences. Check the website and/or program for the details.  Also, Scarborough has mostly non-fair food options available including pasta, fresh pastries, Scottish Eggs, German food, stir fry, crab cakes, Fajitas, baked potatoes, Ettoufee and the largest food-on-a-stick selection in Texas. Venture out and try some of our specialties;
  •  Don’t miss the parade & living chess match – Two of our signature events are must sees.  At 1 p.m. each day the Grande Parade takes place throughout the Festival site and is a spectacle of villagers, entertainers, shoppes and even the Royal Court.  At 4 p.m. each day is the Living Chess Match – yes, its chess played with real combatants.
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Image courtesy of Bullion; Photos by Eighty Three Creative

While it’s pretty obvious that mothers work hard every day of the year. Mother’s Day, on the other hand comes but once a year. Make sure you celebrate how much the mother in your life is appreciated by treating her to one of these seven enticing menus and more for a chance to eat, play and enjoy the many reasons we love and celebrate the day of the “Mother.”

Bullion is Dallas’ latest culinary offering by Michelin star-awarded Chef Bruno Davaillon. With a variety of classic and contemporary French dishes on the menu, Mother’s Day brunch at Bullion will consist of a three-course pre-fixe menu. Opening time for brunch this Sunday is 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 pm., and you can expect special hors d’oeuvres like lobster, asparagus and tarragon or Canard Confit Toast with fried egg, brioche and ramps hollandaise as well steak frites or ravioli de lapin.  Of course, you don’t want to miss the French toast with strawberries, rhubarb and mascarpone vanilla cream or the dessert choices that range from coffee opera cake to sticky hazelnut buns or brioche tropeziénne. In this case, reservations are suggested since after all French dishes in Dallas coupled with a Swedish interior design is not the most common Dallas thing, but any woman will love you for it.

Bowling and bocce ball and mom.  At Pinstripes Fort Worth you can put a smile on her face with Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring $1 mimosas, and $5 Bloody Marys all day.  In addition, Pinstripes Fort Worth has a buffet that includes a waffle station, made-to-order omelet station, carving station (featuring herb crusted prime rib & maple glazed ham) and breakfast selections (think house made biscuits & gravy and crispy breakfast potatoes). Eat, drink and make sure your mom is having a good time.

The Statler’s latest outpost, Scout, will be hosting a family-friendly, Mother’s Day celebration, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday with adult tickets costing $39 per person and children’s tickets being priced $1 for each year of age. Each ticket will include unlimited access to the various action stations throughout the concept that will be serving upscale takes on classic dishes such as Duck Egg Shakshouka with Basil Pesto & Ciabatta, Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream and Fried Chicken or Buttermilk Waffle with Cream Gravy & Maple Syrup. Guests will also have the option to purchase time to enjoy games and activities like ping-pong, bowling and pool too.

Park Cities’ beloved neighborhood restaurant Henry’s Majestic will be offering a special Mother’s Day dish during its Sunday brunch service. For only $12 treat mom to an inventive surprise that features a hash brown “waffle” seasoned with everything bagel spice, shaved smoked salmon, dressed greens, pickled shallots and a poached egg.

Pair a mimosa with one of the III Forks brunch delicacies from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday on Mother’s Day.  The four-course Mother’s Day special offers choices like Asparagus Soup to start followed by a Beef Tenderloin Benedict or how about a Crabcake St. Francis Benedict.  Keep it sweet by including a dessert like Mandarin Orange Cake, Chocolate Marquis Torte or Peach Melba.

 You didn’t take her to Europe for Mother’s Day, but all is not lost since Eatzi’s Market & Bakery, the European style market featuring chef-crafted meals has got a nice line-up of Mother’s Day sweet treats. This includes Mother’s Day offerings like Limoncello White Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Covered Oreos, Chocolate Truffles or the OMG Cookies.  Up the wow factor even more and take her the Mother’s Day Tower of Power Cake wrapped in pink and signed for mom; indeed, that is an item that will get you noticed.

It’s Texas so it would be remiss not to include a place to dine on Mexican cuisine.  RJ Mexican Cuisine in the heart of Dallas’ West End is the thing for Mother’s Day and will be offering a special, three-course menu.  Available all-day Sunday, the Mother’s Day menu highlights Atlantic Salmon with spinach, portabella mushrooms, lump crab, Mexican cheeses, sherry cream and red rice or the decadent Steak & Lobster with pepper crust tenderloin, cold water lobster tail, shrimp garlic butter, mashed potatoes and asparagus.

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The produce available at the DCHHS pop-up Community Farm Stand

Why shop the local Farmers Market?  Well, if there is one near you why not?  It means fresh organic produce and you can’t go wrong there.  Even better, it is a good way to spend a weekend morning outdoors getting closer to the Earth and the bounty she provides.

If you are wondering what is in season for the next few months, here you go:

May & June
Blackberries, Blueberries, Figs, Melons, Peaches, Strawberries, Basil, Mint, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Green Beans, Greens (Chard, Mustard), Leeks, Potatoes, Onions, Okra, Peppers, Radishes, Squash, Tomatoes, Turnips

And while searching for the perfect Farmers Market keep these ideas in mind too. Bring small cash denominations and shop early for the best selection and be sure to purchase and enjoy the seasonal fruits and vegetables when available.  If you plan on buying meat you might consider bringing a cooler or cold pack during the hot months and bring your own grocery bag or basket.

Here are some of the Dallas area’s best Farmers Market so take your pick and enjoy your weekend as you discover an entire network of local Farmers Markets.   

Of course, the Dallas Farmer’s Market https://dallasfarmersmarket.org/ is the biggest and it has the perfect location right among the skyscrapers of Dallas.  The Dallas Farmers Market began in 1941 and over the years it has grown into a destination for a weekend. The market is Go Texan Certified, a Member of the Farm Bureau and a Certified Farmers Market by The Texas Department of Agriculture.  Pretty much whatever you are looking for you are going to find at this Farmers Market.

Weekend Farmer’s Markets

The City of Grand Prairie has a nice Farmers Market on Main Street downtown on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. now until the end of November.  With locally grown fruits and vegetables, tamales, salsas, baked goods, eggs, honey and even soaps and candles, this Farmers Market usually has a theme each weekend.  This weekend’s theme is Superhero Day.

McKinney’s Farmer’s Market began its season last weekend and it runs until November 17 every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.  With a bygone era feel as you browse you can pick up organic meat, dairy, honey and produce as well as find vendors offering sauces, canned goods, pasta, baked goods, wine and flowers.

The Farmers Market in Coppell is every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon until November 22 in the Heart of the city’s Old Town. It is suggested you arrive early because the residents here love their Farmers Market and carry bag loads of goodies away as soon as the doors open.

Frisco Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday until the end of October.  You will find fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, preserves and handcrafted items and you can also be proud you are supporting a small market that was started by the Frisco Noon Lions Club in 2007. Of course, it has grown to over 40 vendors now and is overseen these days by the Rotary Club of Frisco.

The Rockwall Farmers Market began in 2008 and it has been rumored to be one of the best in the Dallas area.  Open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon beginning May 3 to September 27, the market is in the historic Downtown Square. Locals will find fresh produce and specialty foods like grass-fed meats, fresh baked artisans breads, farm eggs, seafood, honey, jams, pasta and tamales.  A standout here is the local talent featured each week providing live music.

Waxahachie’s Farmer’s Market opens this weekend until the end of October every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Every week experience a new theme, this weekend is the Grand Opening, but next weekend features a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta.  Locals will find not only locally grown produce, but plants, jams, jellies, spices and hand made goods.

Pop-up Farmers Market

The Dallas County Health and Human Service Community Farm Stand is a pop-up stand from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday in the lobby of the DCHHS building on Stemmons.  DCHHS has partnered with Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center to promote consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in areas where fresh produce is not as readily available.  Produce selections include fruits and vegetables such as bananas, oranges, apples, lemons, peppers, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, onions and a host of other options depending on the season.

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Tres Agaves fields in Mexico

Next Saturday is Cinco de Mayo and people in Dallas love to celebrate with margaritas and cerveza, that is just part of it though.  In fact, many people do not even know what this Mexican holiday is really all about.

So, let’s start there and then we will tell you how to get your Cinco de Mayo party on. 

The holiday is not a celebration of Mexican Independence like many believe, nope, actually it is a Mexican holiday that celebrates a failed French invasion.  The invasion occurred when a struggling Mexico defaulted on payments owed to the European governments.  Turns out the Mexican Army won anyway, it was called the Battle of Puebla and it happened on May 5, 1862.

Locally, Cinco de Mayo is a good time for residents to celebrate the Mexican American culture. Now, you can add some knowledge about the holiday to your discussion as you order another round.

Cinco de Mayo in Dallas

Cinco de Mayo might just be Dallas’ favorite drinking holiday so here’s a list of places to kick back and feel the May 5 vibe.

Scout  is the most recent concept to open within Downtown’s Statler hotel and it will host a weekend-long Cinco de Mayo celebration titled Cinco de Statler. Each night will feature a rotation of live entertainment and notable DJ’s along with passed shots from Uno Por Favor tequila. The holiday would not be complete without a margarita and beverage director Kyle Hilla has risen to the occasion with plans to offer three, off-menu cocktails at Scout. Hilla has crafted a Simple Margarita, Passionfruit Margarita and Hibiscus Margarita all to be offered for $10 throughout the weekend.

Harlowe MXM a Deep Ellum newcomer is offering a specially crafted Cinco de Mayo cocktail named the Dusk till Dawn that will be served, from dusk till dawn that day. The cocktail, curated by veteran barman Alex Fletcher, combines Tequila, Fresh Watermelon, Serrano Peppers, Lime Juice and Agave Nectar topped with Tajin Seasoning. The Dusk till Dawn will be offered all day for $7.

Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse in the West End will offer a variety of specials for Cinco de Mayo like Tex-Mex, a clean and simple iteration on the classic margarita, combining Jalapeno-Infused Y.O. Tequila Blanco, Cointreau, Fresh Lime Juice and Club Soda and served with a festive, tri-color ice cube.

RJ Mexican Cuisine is an authentic Mexican concept located in the heart of Dallas’ West End. RJ Mexican Cuisine, will boast a special margarita and meal for Cinco de Maya. A Mexican Flag Margarita, reminiscent of the Mexican Flag, complete with red, white and green in three individual layers. This margarita is a blend of frozen strawberries, tequila, pineapple juice, coconut cream, white rum and Midori.

Ten 50 BBQ will offer Cinco de Mayo fans margaritas for only $5 all day on May 5. Specialty margaritas include the Ten50 Margarita made with Sauza Blue Tequila, Orange Curacao, Ten50’s sweet & sour mix and a splash of lime, the Mango Margarita with Patron Silver Tequila, Cointreau, fresh mangos, basil and Ten50’s very own sweet & sour mix. For something savory, Ten50 also boasts a Three Alarm Margarita made with Herradura Silber Tequila, jalapeno, habanero, serrano syrup, Cointreau, Ten50’s sweet & sour mix with a splash of lime.

If you really want to celebrate head to Mexico

Tequila… the Place: With Cinco de Mayo coming up and margaritas on the mind, we can’t seem to stop thinking about Tequila. But not only the delicious spirit—the place! Many don’t know Tequila is a Denomination of Origin (DOO) product and can only be produced in five states in Mexico. The most well-known of these Tequila producing regions is Jalisco, where Tequila Valley is nestled between Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

The Tequila Valley, and specifically the town of Tequila, is experiencing a new wave of exploration, as more and more people are taking their love of Tequila to new heights and visiting the actual place.

So, this year when you think about that tequila in your Margarita on Cinco de Mayo, consider the origin of the drink or head down south for a visit.  And when you visit Tequila visit Amatitán, the birthplace of Tequila, and stop in at Tres Agaves’ new distillery, which sits on sprawling 39 acres of agave.

How to Mix up a Few of Your Own Cinco de Mayo Drinks

According to the ‘Most Interesting Man In the World’ Jonathan Goldsmith his tips for entertaining for Cinco de Mayo begins with a margarita.

“Obviously, you’ll need Astral Tequila. I love the taste of tequila, so I tend to drink it straight with a chunk of lime on the rocks. But in margaritas, I like an interesting lemonade with orange juice and sometimes with the addition of cranberry juice or some muddled watermelon, blackberries, or blueberries. I like a fruity margarita,” he says. “You’ll also need plenty of ice, mixes, and of course – good Mexican food. I like enchiladas, ceviche, and a very good guacamole.”

And while you are thinking of mixing that Astral Tequila, think about these two Astralogy recipes for a Cinco de Mayo highlight. These recipes favor the Gemini and Capricorn Cinco de Mayo drink, but you can find a recipe for any zodiac sign.

Gemini

1.5 oz Astral Tequila

½ oz Lime Juice

2 oz Sparkling Water

Cucumber Slices

(ROCKS GLASS)

Capricorn

2oz Astral Tequila

1oz Lime juice

.75oz Simple syrup

Strawberry and basil

Ginger beer

(Copper mug or rocks glass)

Muddle strawberries and basil, add all ingredients

and add ice. Give quick stir with spoon and garnish

with lime wheel.