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"I Am Battle Comic" director Jordan Brady

For those interested in supporting the National Military Family Association tonight will mark a good time to do it.  The Landmark Magnolia Theatre will be premiering the documentary “I am Battle Comic” with 100 percent of the proceeds from the event going to the National Military Family Association. 

“I Am Battle Comic” director Jordan Brady will also be in Dallas tonight at the premier. Brady said he chose Dallas as the city for the film because it has a healthy intersection of three criteria.

“A strong civilian support for our military, a comedy scene - Slade Ham just played Dallas, and I did the Improv back in the day - and finally there is a vibrant advertising and filmmaking community. Basically I knew we could get people out to see the film.”

Brady actually got involved in the project “I am Battle Comic” when Battle Comic Founder/Comic Don Barnhart asked Brady if he wanted to do stand-up on a tour he was putting together to the Middle East.  

That stand-up comedy then became the backbone of the documentary, which is about stand-up comedians who traveled to the Middle East to entertain U.S. Troops on the front lines.

 “He [Barnhart] had seen my other two documentaries on stand-up comedy and thought it was a great opportunity to show first-hand what it’s like to perform for the troops. From Bob Hope to Robin Williams, it’s the best way a comedian can serve,” Brady explained.

Brady said the experience working on the documentary was eye-opening.

“Heading over, as a liberal war-protesting filmmaker, I struggled with how best to leave my politics at home,” he explained. “Obviously, I would refrain from political jokes, but was I a hypocrite just by participating? Being there, meeting these brave men and women one on one, the term "the troops" takes on a new meaning.”

During his experience in the Middle East Brady said these men and women became real faces. They became individuals who volunteered to put home life on hold to serve our country.

“We can argue why we - the U.S. - are in the Middle East, but the fact remains we are there,” Brady added. “I enjoy tremendous freedom living in the US, in part because they are keeping us safe.”   

As for the comedians who were chosen to travel to the Middle East for the stand-up tour and documentary, Barnhart (who has been putting these tours together since 1993) chose performers that he knew would engage with troops.  He also chose comedians who had clean PG13 material like Houston native Slade Ham, Bob Kubota and Jeff Capri. 

“All the comics interviewed for the film have done shows for the troops,” Brady said. “Wayne Federman in Iraq for instance, Jennifer Rawlings has Iraq, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Tammy Pescatelli has done Iraq with USO and AFE (Armed Forces Entertainment).”

The National Military Family Association was then chosen to receive 100 percent of the proceeds because of what they are doing kids of military families.

“My dad traveled for a few months when I was a kid, so I can only imagine a parent being deployed for a year,” Brady said recalling his own experience with a military parent.  “They have family camps that help a parent/spouse reintegrate back into family life when they return home. Based on my conversations with troops while filming, that can be a culture shock. I just love what they are doing.”

“I Am Battle Comic” will be shown tonight at the Landmark Magnolia Theatre at 7 p.m.

“My hope is this film starts a conversation, that it offers civilians a glimpse of that sacrifice, so when they see a service member back home, they smile. They say thank you. Their coming home needs to be celebrated,” Brady concluded.

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The chicken coop to be raffled at the Peep at the Coops tour on May 7.

If you thought Dallas was just one big urban jungle you would be wrong. Not considering the fact that East Dallas is home to quite a number of city chickens.

For folks interested in getting a look at how urban chickens live the Peep at the Coops event on May 7 features some of the most innovative coups for raising chickens in North Texas.

The chicken coop tour is also part of a bigger Country Market event where folks will get a dose of how to live a healthier lifestyle too.

In its eighth year now, Laurie Petty, one of the co-chairs for A Peep at the Coops says “This is a one-day tour of private urban chicken coops in East Dallas. At the event people can learn

more about urban, backyard chicken coops and how people right here in the city of Dallas are becoming more self-sustaining.”

Hosted at Moss Haven Farm for a second year the event includes a tour of eight urban chicken, food from One90 Smoked Meats, The Guava Tree Food Truck, Scot’s Cafe Potato Bar and

Snowdrop Shaved Ice, handmade items from local artisans and performances from  Lake Highlands HS Espree and Wranglers, local choirs and bands and students from Zound Sound.

There will also be a raffle of a custom made mobile coop from the talents of Urban Chicken. 

“I think this event is so successful because people want to live healthier lifestyles,” Petty said. “These owners have an endless supply of fresh eggs and many also have thriving gardens that

provide a healthy food source for their families.” 

In addition to helping visitors understand a healthier lifestyle the Peep at the Coops tour is also the largest fundraiser of the year for Moss Haven Farm.  The farm is a 501(c)(3) outdoor

learning garden and curriculum enrichment for students located at Moss Haven Elementary. It is also entirely supported by community and corporate support.  

“Our goal is to fund weekly S.T.E.M. education at our public school that receives no funding from the school district,” Petty said of the fundraising efforts. “Also, proceeds from APATC

support our State Fair of Texas blue ribbon earning egg & poultry program.” 

Coop owners are chosen each year by submitting an application to participate in the Coop Tour. Petty said each coop applicant is visited and the coops chosen always range from a variety of

different coops that show both basic and elaborate coop designs.

“We also try to have coops that have different varieties of chicken breeds,” Petty concluded. “Some coops have a small flock and then others have many chickens, we have one coop that has

a flock of 18. One of our coop owners on the tour this year visited last year’s Coop tour and she went home and designed and built her own coop just from seeing what other people are

doing.” 

The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The Country Market is free and the chicken coop tour is $10 per adult (children under 12 are free).

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There are many activities for attendees at Fair Park's Earth Day event.

While it would be nice if every day was Earth Day, sometimes it’s hard to keep it going on a regular basis.  Earth Day on April 22 is always a good time to sit back and think about how each one of us can do our part.

There are some cities and businesses around the Dallas area that are also dedicated to doing their part too.

Of course there is the Earth Day Texas Festival, literally the biggest and best in the United States. This year Earth Day Texas will be hosted Friday, April 21 to Sunday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fair Park.

There will be an estimated 1500 in attendance, 850 exhibitors and over 200 experts on hand.  The returning Green Speaker Series will be a highlight and attendees can expect to learn about everything from electric cars to climate change to bee pollination.

“The caliber of international speakers we have this year is incredible and is a testament to the growing importance of sustainability and preserving our environment,” said CEO Ryan Brown. “There will be such a diverse group this year, not only in terms of expertise and knowledge, but also in terms of influence and association. No matter what your interests are, there will be a speaker or panel for you.”

In the southern part of Dallas look for the City of Wilmer to celebrate Earth Day this year on April 22 at City Hall.  The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  If you like music, bounces houses, hot dogs and fun, the folks in Wilmer said they are sure you will have a good time.

In Coppell the Eco Coppell Earthfest Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be held at Town Center Plaza. There will be a variety of environmental and educational booths. Pick up a few plants and enjoy the food and the live music by Vocal Trash. Folks can also take part in some free outdoor yoga, a photo booth and arts and crafts. ?

An Earth Day Extravaganza will take place on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Dallas Arboretum. Children will enjoy Earth Day at the Arboretum’s Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden with a variety of programs and guests meant to encourage children to explore the Earth.

Clean out your attic, garage, closet and junk drawers.  Snappy Salads will be taking part in an e-waste recycling event/electronic recycling roundup on Earth Day, April 22. Snappy Salads is the first eco-friendly salad restaurant in Dallas and will offer this service free to the public.

“Our twice yearly e-waste recycling events have been wildly successful since we started them in 2013,” said Chris Dahlander, founder and CEO of Snappy Salads. “Snappy Salads is deeply committed to limiting any negative impact we have on the environment. Last year we collected nearly 17,000 pounds of electronic waste to be repurposed into a new life.”

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Pie Tap Pizza Workshop + Bar serving up Easter brunch

Easter is right around the corner and you’re wondering where you can go so you don’t have to end up doing the dishes.  Here’s a roundup of some of Dallas’ fun restaurants donning the Easter festivities and serving up good eats all day long for the April 16th holiday..

Pie Tap Pizza Workshop + Bar

Brunch is available on Easter Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brunch standouts range from classic brunch items like French Toast (made with house-made sourdough, local honey, vanilla crème fraiche, spiced pecans and seasonal berries topped with maple syrup) and the Truck Stop Biscuits + Sausage Gravy (with house-made biscuits and house sausage gravy served with two sunny farm eggs and roasted Calabrian potatoes) to Pie Tap creations such as the Eggs Florentine Pie with house mozzarella, spinach and a farm egg drizzled with hollandaise and the Smoked Salmon Pie featuring Icelandic smoked salmon, house lemon ricotta, red onion, dill and capers topped with house-cured egg yolk. This pie was inspired by two classic brunch items that guests know and love - lox and bagels and the smoked salmon platter.  Pie Tap deconstructed, upgraded and simplified the base ingredients to create the Smoked Salmon Pie.

Grayson Social

Spend your Easter in true Southern style. Grayson Social is hosting a Social Easter Grand Buffet. For just $58 per person (and $28 for children), guests can experience a grand buffet complete with a Killer Biscuit display with house-whipped butters and jams, a Prime Rib carving station, Country-Fried Yard Bird & Waffles and much more. Full menu can be found here. Brunch will be from 9 a.m. to3 p.m. and also features $5 mimosa’s and glasses of wine.

Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse

Enjoy a true Texas Easter with a special Easter Brunch menu crafted by chef Tony Street. Guests can choose from a variety of starters, entrees and desserts for $45 per person. The menu includes dishes like Chicken Fried Lobster Benedict (Traditional eggs benedict served with chicken fried lobster), the Texas Hill Country Omlette (Three egg omelet with wild boar sausage, smoked tomatoes, wild mushrooms, and cheddar cheese topped crème fraiche and  pico de gallo), or the Shrimp and Grits ( Texas gulf coast shrimp sautéed with smoked tomatoes, scallions, bacon and deglazed with cognac. Served over cheesy tobacco grits).

Second Floor Regionally Inspired Kitchen

Enjoy the Easter holiday by indulging in a buffet with a wide assortment of breakfast and lunch items created by chef David Smith of the Second Floor Kitchen.  The Brunch Buffet menu features nine stations including a breakfast table, omelet station, waffle station, chef’s table, lunch table, salad bar, carving station, kid’s table and dessert table. Guests can also purchase mimosas for $2 each. In addition, two Easter egg hunts will occur throughout the day for the little ones.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is offering That Wacky Wabbit, a cocktail that includes Belvedere Intense Vodka, Beefeater Gin, Rey Campero Espadin Mezcal, lime juice, carrot juice and Harissa honey syrup. Available beginning Wednesday, April 12 for $14.

Eatzi’s

Eatzi’s market & bakery is offering both a special Easter Menu and Passover Menu for guests to choose from. The Easter menu, available April 10 to 16, includes dishes like Citrus Herb Turkey (boneless roasted turkey breast flavored with a light citrus and herb marinade) and a springy Easter Salad (Lemon pepper greens, watermelon radish, asparagus, edamame and goat cheese tossed with lemon avocado dressing). The menu also features some specially-made Easter desserts, including an Easter Cupcake Trio, Easter Cookie Nests, Chocolate Easter Bunnies, Chocolate Easter Eggs, and more.

The Passover Menu, available April 9 to 18 even includes some traditional dishes such as Potato Kugel (tossed with onion, carrot and zucchini and baked to perfection) and Matzo Ball Soup (matzo balls floating in a flavorful chicken broth with fresh chives) and Chicken Liver Spread. Desserts include Chocolate Mosaic Cake, Coconut Macaroons, and Passover Apple Squares.

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photo courtesy of Savor Dallas

Get ready to savor some of Dallas’ best eats at this year’s Savor Dallas event.  The festival will take place from April 6 to 9 and is in its 13th year.

With around 6,000 guests expected to descend on a variety of Dallas’ favorite locations, Lindsey Miller who handles Public Relations for the event said “We have an amazing list of 11 host chefs this year, which elevates the culinary experience of the festival even more.”

Each chef will deliver a fresh and fun approach at their respective events in an effort to keep the festival fresh.

“Every year, we try to change up the events just enough to keep them fresh and fun while maintaining a certain level of consistency,” Miller added.

So that’s 75-plus restaurants, 450-plus wines and 70-plus spirits and a good time. 

New this year, Savor Dallas is introducing diverse locations with the Opening Night Garden Party 'Cue It Up in the Harwood District at Marie Gabrielle Gardens and the Shaken + Stirred mixology event on Friday at  Happiest Hour.

The Community Brunch on Sunday will be at a new location; Dallas Farmer's Market.  The Reserve Tasting event on Saturday will be at Centennial Hall at Fair Park as will the Grand Tasting, Savor Dallas’s delicious main event.

This event will be hosted by Chad Houser of Café Momentum along with Chefs Kirstyn Brewer, Omar Flores, Brian Luscher and Stephen Rogers.

Houser, the Honorary Host Chef of the festival will be highlighting and supporting the vital work he does in Dallas and beyond by transforming young people’s lives for the better. 

“Savor Dallas is doing great things to support the local dining scene—and our community as a whole,” said Houser. “I’m excited to continue Café Momentum’s partnership with the festival, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the events. You won’t want to miss them—we have some really delicious surprises in store.”

Alison Draper, president of CrowdSource, the group producing the Savor Dallas festival since 2015 added to Houser’s place with Savor Dallas.

“Elevating the rich texture of Dallas’s dining scene while giving back to the community has always been an essential piece of what we’ve set out to do with Savor Dallas,” she said “This year, we’re thrilled to continue that mission even more with Chad Houser and the life-changing work he does at Café Momentum.”

Also in its first year are the Host Chefs including not only Brewer (with a soon-to-be-named Chinese restaurant), Omar Flores (Casa Rubia and Whistle Britches), Brian Luscher (The Grape) and Stephen Rogers (Gemma and Sachet), but also Misti Rogers (Gemma and Sachet), Katherine Clapner (Dude, Sweet Chocolate), Matt Dallman (18th & Vine BBQ), Graham Dodds (Wayward Sons),  Nathan Tate (Rapscallion and Boulevardier) and David Uygur (Lucia).

The host chefs will preside over the events and curate the one-of-a-kind tasting experiences for guests.

Tickets range from $55 to $400 and are available at www.SavorDallas.com.

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Photo Courtesy Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Spring breakers are you looking for something to do this week? Here are some of our best spring break ideas we’ve rounded up if you are staying in Dallas, but still want to get out and have some fun.  By week’s end it is for sure you will definitely have some stories to tell.

At Dallas Heritage Village March is the time for gun fights and music. From March 14 to 17, 2017 Spring Fling: Jumbo Fun at Dallas Heritage Village is all about enjoying your favorite classic games, but on a much larger scale. Are you able to get a strike when the bowling ball is your size? How long will your train of dominoes be when they’re the size of your foot? All this and more will be happening all week. You can also stop in and check out the temporary Log Cabin Quilt exhibit where there is a set of jumbo Lincoln logs to play with.  On March 18 you can witness early Dallas law and order, settler style, on the Village’s Main Street.  Performed by the Trinity River Desperados, you will get a firsthand view of the “Wild West” when a mild disagreement turned into a gun fight. 

At the Texas Discovery Gardens spring break is Safari week from March 13 to 17, 2017 with a variety of come-and-go activities, story times, crafts and meet-the-critter talks. The activities are free with paid garden admission and are geared toward all ages. Even better, each day of the week has a special nature theme. So whether you want to meet butterflies and moths, Madagascar hissing cockroaches or corn snakes stop in and say hello and learn more about bugs of all kinds.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will play host this week with Dallas Blooms in full swing mode.  The theme this year is Peace, Love and Flower Power and it goes through April 9, 2017.  Check out the Mommy and Me Monday or Tiny Tot Tuesday and there is also face painting, a petting zoo and Kindermusik. On March 18, 2017 Fashion Forward Weekend is all about the 1960s and themed activities in the garden include flower wreath making, paper doll dressing and henna tattoos in the Val Late Garden. Guests can also view 1960s fashion on display in the DeGolyer House.

At the Reunion Geo-deck for spring break there are free activities and entertainment, including bingo, Tall Tales story time and activity sheets with a general admission ticket purchase. Make new furry friends with special sky-high appearances by some of the Dallas Zoo's residents. The Animal Adventures team will bring a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles for an up-close encounter on the GeO-Deck.

At the Dallas Children’s Theatre Kathy Burk’s Theatre of Puppetry features the age-old fairy tale of a young hero's extraordinary climb up a magical beanstalk to seek his fortune and save his family from ruin. Check out Jack and the Beanstalk until March 26, 2017 with great music and unexpected humor.

Get in on the spring break exploration at the Frontiers of Flight Museum and explore the world of aviation and space with daily fun activities.  Every day Monday to Friday this week will feature a themed, interactive adventure. From Helicopter Day to Galactic Adventure Day to even a Flight Simulator experience.  Kids also get to explore virtual aircraft and get a sneak peek of the upcoming August 21, 2017 solar eclipse in the portable planetarium.

There is something going on all month at Cedar Hills Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center.   On March 25, 2017 the Plashy Fun & Fitness activity for ages eight and up is a kayak excursion to look for birds and local wildlife. With no kayaking experience necessary you will be in a tandem kayak and each child must be accompanied by an adult.  This week during spring break practice some kayaking skills and sign up for the end of month adventure.

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A look at the Mayan Exhibition at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science

It’s springtime in Dallas and never a better time to visit local museums for an education and a good time.  From a spring break camp this week to a look at some serious art, mark your calendar now for some real culture in the days and weeks ahead.

Spring is making an impression at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science where you will find not only the largest and most comprehensive Maya exhibition to tour the U.S., but also gripping 3D films and spring break activities and camps this week. The 10,000-square-foot Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed traveling exhibition allows children of all ages to explore a forgotten world and uncover its hidden secrets. Highly interactive, the family-friendly exhibition is presented in English and Spanish.
“Here’s your chance to walk in an archaeologist’s shoes and step back in time to experience what it was like to live during one of the most advanced ancient civilizations,” said Dan Kohl, Perot Museum’s interim chief executive officer. “In Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, you’ll get to survey underground caves, decode the Maya calendar, decipher mysterious glyphs, build arches and even discover a Maya ballgame, which is believed to be one of the first team sports in human history.”
Also on the lineup are Discovery Camps, daily activities and extended hours during Spring Break, wild 3D films, First Thursday Late Nights, second-Saturday Discovery Days and sleepovers. Through May you can also check out Electropolis 3D a look at the electrical grid and explore how companies are working to ensure that blackouts do not disrupt everyday life. Or Extreme Weather with a look at famed storm chaser on the front lines of massive wildfires or deadly tornadoes. Specifically in March, the Museum rolls out its popular daily activities plus Discovery Camps March 13-17, 2017 to keep pre-K through elementary kids content and constructive.

The Dallas Museum of Art offers Passages in Modern Art: 1946 – 1996 from now until May 28, 2017.  This exhibit brings together objects from the DMA’s acclaimed contemporary collection, including recent acquisitions, rarely seen works, and newly conserved paintings and sculpture. Art by such iconic artists as Bernd and Hilla Becher, Philip Guston, Jasper Johns, Yayoi Kusama, and Mark Rothko is presented alongside some lesser-known artists.

At the Museum of International Cultures in Duncanville there are permanent exhibits featuring Mexico, Central America, South America, Native America as well as numerous countries and cultures from Africa, including an extensive exhibit about the Batwa people of Uganda. The exhibits are accompanied by touch screen presentations in several rooms and there is also a Texas World War 1 Commission exhibit.  Specifically for spring break the Children's Lab is a good idea and Dr. Penny Ball and her scientist and engineer team present monthly STEM programs.

The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art begins its Wisdom of Compassion: The Art and Science of Iwasaki Tsuneo (1917-2002) show this week though June 11, 2017. A Japanese artist and scientist Tsuneo painted as an act of devotion interlacing his fluency in the languages of Buddhism, science and art. His work portrays resonances he discovered between scientific and Buddhist views of reality to convey that all beings are an integral part of an ever transforming and vast cosmos.

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is presenting its FOCUS series with Stanley Whitney until April 2, 2017. FOCUS exhibitions are open to the public and are included in general museum admission. The Stanley Whitney exhibition investigates the many possibilities of color and form in the realm of abstract painting. His signature style features multicolored, irregular grids on square canvases. He also utilizes color as subject, and his paintings often refer to literature, music, places and other artists all done with no preparatory materials.

Spring break at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth offers a Handbook of the West 2017 exhibit until March 19, 2017.  

Also in Fort Worth, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art is free admission with a show called Invented Worlds of Valton Tyler until April 30, 2017.  For more than 40 years, Tyler, a Texas artist has depicted unparalleled worlds from his imagination. His captivating artworks feature unique interplays of identifiable, organic, mechanistic and surreal shapes, which often rise from mountain, desert or arctic landscapes.

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Sometimes Valentine’s Day is better with friends, but what are you going to do with your friends on Tuesday while everyone else is thinking about love?

Here are some ideas to keep you smiling while you enjoy Valentine’s Day a little more un-traditionally with a friend or the one you love.

You don’t have murder on your mind for Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with Keith And Margo’s Murder Mystery Texas  on February 15, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Head over to the Dallas Omni Park West for an alternative option to the traditional Valentine’s Day festivities. For over 20 years Keith and Margo’s St. Valentine’s Day celebration and murder mystery dinner has kept guests coming back.  It’s a suit and tie event so impress yourself and your date for the evening. The package includes reception, gourmet dinner, drink ticket, Valentine’s mystery and dancing.  

The Dallas Farmer's Market is getting dolled up for Valentine’s Day and Rex's Seafood, Scardello and Stocks and Bondy have all joined together to host a five course meal with wine pairings that are available for couples and singles. The menu will include a cheese course from Scardello paired with a glass of bubbles, spinach salad from Rex's paired with wine, Italian Sausage soup from Stock's and Bondy paired with wine, prime tenderloin with colossal river shrimp over a brown rice pilaf from Rex's paired with wine and strawberry cake from Stock's and Bond paired with sparking rose. 

The Love You Beery Much/Love Stinks Let’s Drink at Flying Saucer Draught Emporium in Addison is February 14, 2007 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Specialty drinks for couples include Ale Smith’s My Bloody Valentine and Lakewood’s Raspberry Temptress. For singles its $3 Ninkasi’s Total Domination and Wasatch’s Polygamy Porter. Valentine’s Trivia starts at 9 p.m.

It’s so unusual you might just have to do it with the one you love.  A romantic and scenic flight around Dallas with a three-course dinner post flight with Delta Charlie’s. It’s a 30-minute sightseeing flight.  Couples board a privately piloted plane and soar over downtown Dallas.  The three-course dinner for two plus sightseeing tour is from Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

A free event at at Samuel Lynne Galleries on February 14, 2017 from 5 to 8 p.m. check out the JD Miller: Valentine's Day Live Painting. Guests will join internationally acclaimed contemporary artist JD Miller for his annual Valentine's Day live painting performance. Miller begins painting at 6:30 pm.

Celebrate Singles Awareness Day at Bowl and Barrel.  Ladies can order a free dinner from a special menu featuring house-made favorites from 6 to 10 p.m. on February 14, 2017. The party is called Shred Your Ex Valentine’s Party so if you bring a picture of your “ex” to shred there is a free drink too.

A funny Valentine’s Day at the Backdoor Comedy Club’s Valentine’s Day celebration on February 14, 2017.  Shows are 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. with Paul Varghese and Aaron Aryanpur.  The evening includes a glass of champagne and chocolate. 

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Photo courtesy Reunion Tower

It’s right around the corner, the biggest day of the year for love.  So what can folks in the Dallas area do this Tuesday to make sure that Valentine’s Day is special?

Here’s a short list of some of the more traditional ways to say I love you!

At Reunion Tower the “Love is in the Air” package is romantic and the perfect way to propose if that’s on your mind.  Reunion Tower averages two proposals per day, that’s 730 per year if you do the math. For Valentine’s Day the package is $150.  This includes the “Fast Pass” for the elevator line, a printed photo, silver frame, a champagne toast for two on the GeO-Deck and champagne flutes for two on the GeO-Deck. Alternatively, the Cloud Nine by Candlelight Valentine Buffet is $250 Saturday to Tuesday with seating from 6 to 8:30 p.m.  Guests are greeted at their table with two glasses of champagne and two Reunion Tower champagne flutes.  In addition to dinner there are tickets to return to visit the GeO-Deck at a later date and $5 valet parking at Five Sixty valet.

The “My Heart Belongs to Chocolate Valentines Tour” is offered by Dallas by Chocolate on February 14, 2017 from 1 to 4:15 p.m. A chocolate filled tour in a private luxury bus with stops at bakeries as well as samplings of cheese and Dallas’ best chocolate too.  

Valentine’s Day romance at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek won’t disappoint.  The Mansion Restaurant will offer a special dinner menu in honor of Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14, 2017. A Contemporary American cuisine from new Executive Chef Tom Parlo in an intimate setting with welcome cocktails and an innovative amuse to commence the culinary experience. Think black truffle, golden osetra caviar and a wine list with champagnes and rare vintages from around the globe. Pastry Chef Nicolas Blouin will add flourless chocolate cake to the menu to end the evening.  Valentine’s Day reservations are available for $150 per person. Seating times are 5:30pm; 7:45pm; 9:00pm; 9:30pm.

The Dallas Symphony will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with its Heart and Horns show at the Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center at 7:30 p.m. on February 14, 2017.  With a Gershwin theme featuring some of this American icon's most-loved classics expect Rhapsody in Blue and Our Love Is Here to Stay to start the night. 

The Texas Theater’s screening of Umbrellas of Cherbourg on February 14 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. will certainly complete the cinema lover’s list.  A look at French romance starring Catherine Deneuve set to song you can’t go wrong with a Parisian theme this time of year.

Forget Venice and go for a gondola ride right here in Dallas.  Just like the Italian canals, the Mandalay Canal and Lake Carolyn waterway in Irving offers Gondola Adventures with one-hour rides up to dinner cruises complete with roses and champagne.  Gondola Adventures also offers an hour-long public cruises every Friday through Sunday with a Valentine's cruise complete with gourmet chocolate.

The 23rd Annual El Corazon Exhibition at the Bath House Cultural Center takes place from now until March 4, 2017. The exhibit focuses on art that has been inspired by the heart.  Notice the meaningful and impressive pieces that are right on point for a Valentine specific date.

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Photo courtesy Von Anthony Salon

You’ve made it through the first month of 2017 and it’s time for a little post-new year pampering.  Either that or how about considering a pre-Valentine’s Day treat.  Here are eight  spas in Dallas for 2017 offering everything from a quick massage at lunch to an all out pampering extravaganza.

Spa Esoteric

105 South Church Street, McKinney

Recommended if you are looking for a sanctuary retreat to get in touch with yourself.

It’s a full service day spa in the heart of historic Downtown McKinney Square. Owner Monica Norman knows all there is to know about relaxation from specialty massages like the Rose Petal Wrap and Massage to one of her primo-customized facials.  Norman uses the Intraceuticals brand for anti-aging perfection. Cupping is also used during the massage if needed, but leaves no marks on the body afterward.  Located in a 123-year old house, which has been refurbished to create a warm and cozy retreat, expect to come away uplifted mind, body and soul.

Spa Adolphus

1321 Commerce Street, 7th Floor, Dallas

Recommended for folks in Downtown Dallas who want to immerse themselves in a unique pampering spa experience.

It’s a historical building with much history and a brand new 5,000-foot spa and salon that offers the perfect urban retreat. There are indoor or outdoor relaxation lounges to enjoy before or after your treatment with a great view of downtown Dallas.  Whether you opt for a facial, massage or both, the options are impressive.  The spa uses Red Flower products with a Red Flower Perfume Bar with a Wellness Twist™ created exclusively for Spa Adolphus. If you opt for a signature massage you will be ask to choose a scent. For example the Japanese Peony scent is good for the third eye while also clearing the mind and enhancing mental function.  Spa guests enjoying the Signature massage also take home their experience through a complimentary vial of their chosen scent. Facials are also specialized like the Face Lift Optimizer from Natura Bisse.  This facial relaxes, rejuvenates and leaves facial skin smooth and tone via the use of a sono-lifting tuning fork technique.

Ritz Carlton Hotel Spa

2121 McKinney Avenue, Dallas

Recommended for spa lovers who want to incorporate mind, body and soul into a day of relaxation.

Located in Dallas’ Uptown area, the quiet still of this spa couldn’t be more in contrast to the outside stimulations of the area.  Both the relaxation and treatment rooms create a tranquil experience that combine a perfect combination of pampering. Whether it’s a massage, body treatment or facial that you need, this spa is all around good for the soul. Consider Dean’s Margarita Salt Glow, an 80-minute salt scrub that exfoliates and softens the skin while also adding moisture.  The water facilities will also whisk you away to Zen contemplation and by the end of your treatment you’ll be ready to face the world again stress-free.

Omni Dallas’ Mokara Spa

555 South Lamar Street, Dallas

Recommended for the single spa lover or couple who are looking for a unique spa experience blending chocolate with relaxation.

For chocolate lovers you won’t be disappointed at Omni Dallas’ Mokara Spa in Downtown Dallas.  You not only get sweeping views of the city, but perfect for Valentine’s Day there is the romantic spa setting with a see-through fireplace in the relaxation lounge.  The Hungarian Chocolate Spice Body Treatment couldn’t be more fitting this time of year combining an antioxidant rich cranberry sugar scrub to polish away dry skin with a hydrating chocolate spice body wrap to firm, increase depleted moisture and give skin a youthful glow. Other spa options include the all out Mokara Experience that is a warm body wrap for deep relaxation followed by a specialty massage.

Von Anthony Salon

7004 Lebanon Road, # 102, Frisco

Recommended for folks who have the time not only for a hair cut or blow out, but also a relaxing massage afterward.

Don’t think that the Von Anthony Salon Day Spa is just an afterthought for customers coming in for a cut, color and blow dry.  The massage therapist at Von Anthony’s Spa has a magic touch integrating both a relaxing and therapeutic massage for phenomenal results. Everything from reflexology to deep tissue  to the perfect manicure or pedicure is right at your fingertips here.  Courtesy of the earth conscious owners, Kerry and Amy Hovland, the pair envisioned a destination salon and they have perfected the definition.

Facelogic

4518 Lovers Lane, Dallas

Recommended for men or women who want a pick-me-up facial fast.

Located in Highland Park for almost 10 years Facelogic specializes in fast and efficient facials that go the distance.  From a chemical peel to microdermabrasion to a simple facial lift for rejuvenation, this is the place to drop into for an hour and come out looking refreshed.  Facelogic also offers monthly membership programs allowing members a monthly signature service and priority bookings.  Facelogic also offers body waxing, massages and air-brush tanning so it’s a one-stop shop.

Hiatus Spa

5560 W. Lovers Lane, #250, Dallas

Recommended for a quick massage if you don’t have much time, but need to relax.

The Signature Massage at Hiatus Spa is good for a quick in-and-out if you need some relaxation in the morning, during the day or in the late afternoon.  Blending the Swedish technique with customized aromatherapy, the massage restores balance and reduces tension.  Who can argue with that?  This is the original Hiatus Spa location and you can also become a member at Hiatus Spa with the H Circle membership.  The membership will give you massages or other treatments the spa offers at a discounted rate and 10 percent off the spa’s retail products. 

The Spa at Crescent Court

400 Crescent Court Drive, Dallas

Recommended if you are looking for a therapeutic massage alongside a healthy spa café where you can relax and unwind afterward.

Less than five minutes from Downtown and within walking distance of America’s largest urban arts district, the Crescent hotel’s spa is 22,000 square feet and offers not only a relaxing massage, but also a chance to consider total body healthy while you’re at it.  The spa is part of a fitness center thatoffers dance, aerobics and yoga.  Afterward the Spa Café staff will serve you a healthy, balanced cuisine that includes the perfect juice option or smoothie. For Valentine’s Day consider the Rosé Spa Day available for two from February 10 to 12, 2017.  The package includes an 80-minute Fusion Massage using Eastern and Western techniques and a hydrating massage with the Crescent Spa Pedicure complete with rose petals and a glass of Rosé.